If you are thinking of setting up an aquarium and not using an aquarium stand, then you will want to make sure that whatever you put your tank on is very strong.
Water weighs about 8 lbs. per gallon. With the tank and gravel, figure about 10 lbs. per gallon. So, a 10 gallon tank will weigh about 100 lbs.
If you find something strong enough to hold your aquarium, you will want to make sure that it is also very flat. If the surface under the tank is warped – or not completely flat – you may get a pressure crack in the glass of your aquarium. This happens when the tank tries to bend to conform to an uneven surface and cracks.
A good way to check the surface is to set the tank up empty. Then, try to wobble the tank from corner to corner. If it does not wobble much, or less than 1/16 of an inch, then it is probably OK. If you see a gap that is more than 1/16 of an inch, you may want to shim it, or get something different to put your tank on. If you shim, use thin plastic that can’t be compressed.
It is always best to use an aquarium stand for tanks larger than 10 gallons. This is the safest thing for your aquarium.
Related products of benefit to your pet:
Fish Aquarium Stands
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