Do I need a new stand?

MuralReef

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#1
So those of you that have followed my 360 in the classroom know that the tank has begun to come apart at the seams. It is not the first time that this has happened. I have checked the tank to make sure that it is level and it is. I happened to go through my build thread and there are pictures of me checking for level when I installed it initially. That said do you guys think I need a new stand? I am worried that there is something in the way that it is build that has caused the seams to fail. The new tank will be glass. Ordering a new steel stand with the tank will cost quite a bit. Do you think this is a necessary purchase? If you were rebuilding would you purchase a new stand?
 

SynDen

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#2
If the failures happened in the same location I would certainly suspect the stand, but otherwise I'd just think it was just because its an 'aged' acrylic tank. But if it sits flat and true on the top then you should be good. I might resurface the top a bit but I'd keep the stand. Its honestly the one thing I am worried about with my big tank, time will tell, but thinking I should have just done a plywood tank instead. Then I wouldnt have to worry about a seam failing as much.
 

MuralReef

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#3
The reason I worry it may be the stand is because both failures were on the same side of the tank. The first was in the back right corner and the latest is in the front right.
 

MuralReef

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#4
That's the problem with buying a used tank. I have no idea how old this tank is, if it was made by a reputable company, or if it was homemade.
 

SynDen

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#5
That's the problem with buying a used tank. I have no idea how old this tank is, if it was made by a reputable company, or if it was homemade.
Ya, especially on used acrylic tanks. Either way I dont think a Glass tank will have the same issue.
 

zombie

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#6
I would check the weld joints (particularly near the point of failure) to see if any are raised that would create a small ridge pressure point on the tank. If there is, it could be grinded down and repainted when you replace the tank. You could also check to see if there is any deflection. If there is any noticeable amount, then you probably do need a new stand.
 

MuralReef

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#7
The new tank will be glass. The current stand is a steel frame with a sheet of plywood that has a sheet of insulating foam on top of that between the plywood and the tank.
 

zombie

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#8
That probably eliminates the pressure point thought then, but I would still check deflection. It only takes a couple mm of deflection to crack a long tank.
 

Dr.DiSilicate

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#9
If it was me i’d Check the welds, paint or powder coat again and add another layer of ply I’d you are still worried. My money is on the manufacturing of the tank and not the stand. The glass will be far more ridged than the acrylic.
 

SkyShark

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#10
I think you will be fine with the old stand so long as it it still level and smooth. Did you use foam between the stand and the old tank too? I’ve seen some debate about using foam or not under a tank, but I don’t remember if that was for glass or acrylic. I would be more suspicious of the foam than the stand. Maybe it was a little crushed on that side when the tank was installed. The floor it is on it totally solid, right?
 

MuralReef

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#11
Stand on the bottom then plywood, then foam, and the tank sits on the foam. That was what I had read you should do to support acrylic tanks. Under a glass tank I would have a sheet of plywood or just something under the outside edges of the tank as all of the weight sits on the frame.
 
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