does a tank stand have to be exact?

[fishy_chick]

I have a really weird shaped tank. Instead of being 18 inches wide as most are, it's only 16 inches. The only stands I can find are 18 inches wide, but fit the length of my tank. Can I put my smaller tank onto this bigger stands? Will the extra 2 inches at the back effect the stand or tank at all? Thanks!

[Alen]

I don't see why you wold have any problem by having extra space, but if it was less than there would be. My 45gal is 18" wide and the stand I have it on is 22" and I havent had any problems. It's kind of nice having the extra room for HOB filters and to maybe put stuff behind the tank like the food or net.

[tina1]

My stand's a little big also. I love the extra room. You can place the food to the side or meds if you're using them, right next to the tank. Makes it very convenient!

[kc5gvn]

Hi fishy_chick, as long as the top of the stand is wide enough to support all 4 walls of the aquarium you will be OK. If the stand is wider just make sure that the tank is positioned so that all 4 walls are supported. If one wall is not supported then the tank will get a pressure crack on the bottom.

[tina1]

wow kc5gvn! I thought you'd fallen off a cliff or something! We've missed you....

[OneWolvesDream]

YEAAAAAA the tank does because the pressure form the unused space will cause pressure on the glass and it will eventually crack. personal experience

[t_chelle16]

I would be leary about using a stand that's too wide; especially for such a large tank. Most stands are made to support the weight along the very edge of the stand, not 1" in from the edge. There's all kinds of plans for DIY tank stands so if you have any wood working tools (or know someone who does) you can try building your own.

-Chelle

[fishy_chick]

Thanks for all of your help! Maybe I'll get my dad to build a stand for me, I REALLY dont want to risk losing my tank to a stupid mistake, that's a lot of money and fish and such down the drain. Thanks again!

[OneWolvesDream]

maybe what you can do is take two pieces of wood and cut them to exact size, you dont need support in the middle you only need on te edges. so

|......................|
|......................|
|......................|
|......................| <-the fishtank
|___________|
[___________] <the wood


|......................|
|......................|
|......................|
|......................| <-side of the fishtank
|___________|
[____] [_____] <-see how the rishtanl has exact support on the cooners but dosnt need in the middle.