100g+ Tank stand w/ wheels?

[JTFletch]

Hello BAR Members,

I am on another journey to spend all my money and start a new tank, haha. One thing I have been researching, unsuccessfully, are tank stands. I would really love for my next tank to be on a stand with wheels, so I can turn off the return pump, slide the tank to the side, and clean behind it. My question is: Does anyone have any recommendations for larger tank stands that have locking wheels at the bottom? Or - is it impossible to do?

 

[derek_SR]

Hello BAR Members,

I am on another journey to spend all my money and start a new tank, haha. One thing I have been researching, unsuccessfully, are tank stands. I would really love for my next tank to be on a stand with wheels, so I can turn off the return pump, slide the tank to the side, and clean behind it. My question is: Does anyone have any recommendations for larger tank stands that have locking wheels at the bottom? Or - is it impossible to do?

You can find casters that will support the weight, the question is can you or should you move it - water weighs 8lbs per gallon, so you're looking at probably at least 1000lbs with tank, stand, equipment...not to mention dealing with the splashing wave, pushing it out of level, etc.

Maybe OK for a small tank, but I would not do it for a large one of that size.

 

[MarcosDelgado0]

Look up Alufab. They build Extruded Aluminum stands and can add casters to them.

Shop Aquarium Stands Online | Extruded Aluminum Stands

AluFab offers customized t-slotted aluminum extrusion-based aquarium stand kits for glass, acrylic aquarium fish tanks. FREE SHIPPING.

www.alufabinc.com

Tidal Gardens uses their stands

 

[MichaelB]

Hello BAR Members,

I am on another journey to spend all my money and start a new tank, haha. One thing I have been researching, unsuccessfully, are tank stands. I would really love for my next tank to be on a stand with wheels, so I can turn off the return pump, slide the tank to the side, and clean behind it. My question is: Does anyone have any recommendations for larger tank stands that have locking wheels at the bottom? Or - is it impossible to do?

I think anything is possibly. But bigger questions would be; Is it worth the risk? And should you ?

Below is a link to a discussion on the topic I found from google.

Anyone Use Casters on DIY Stand Build?

Has anyone used casters on a DIY stand? I'm going to be building a stand for a 180 gallon aquarium with a 75 gallon sump beneath it. I expect the whole setup to weigh 3000-3500 pounds, so I'm trying to build the stand to handle at least double that. The aquarium is going in my unfinished basement...

forum.aquariumcoop.com

I like the idea in theory, but seems very risky for a larger tank unless your on a perfectly level slab and that's assuming the casters/wheels, bolts, stand and even the
floor are all very well made and exceed weight requirements. Again no expert so only my noob opinion here. I wouldn't risk it

 

[BAYMAC]

Moving a full aquarium is highly not advised. Sloshing can put immense pressure on the panels.

You can find casters that will support the weight, the question is can you or should you move it - water weighs 8lbs per gallon, so you're looking at probably at least 1000lbs with tank, stand, equipment...not to mention dealing with the splashing wave, pushing it out of level, etc.

Maybe OK for a small tank, but I would not do it for a large one of that size.

Saltwater weighs ~8.5lbs, freshwater is 8lbs. It'll be well over 1000lbs, probably closer to 1400 with rock, etc

I would highly advise against this/ Sloshing will put immense pressure on the panels.

No manufacturer will honor the warranty, that is for sure.

 

[MarcosDelgado0]

Oh I didn’t read that right and just realized you wanted to move it full. Would not recommend that

 

[tribbitt]

100g moved full is risky as heck. Not to mention the amount of water that will inevitably be splashed, the single points of pressure of the wheels on your home floors may not be ideal, etc

 

[Patio]

so I can turn off the return pump, slide the tank to the side, and clean behind it.

What are you going to clean behind it? You worried about salt creep and dust kinda stuff?

 

[Darkxerox]

@finalphaze987 has his tank on wheels

 

[finalphaze987]

Wheels on a stand are great for the build when there's no water...easy to plumb, wire manage, and move all back at the end of the day when your done.

But for when it's filled, that sucker is staying planted...the sheer weight of the tank with water in it would make it a feat..not to mention the pressure on the actual structure of the tank that @BAYMAC mentioned above..

If your goal is easy cleaning behind the tank, I advise you allot for adequate space and leave it stationary as soon as you get it wet.

 

[gmdcdvm]

I would worry about it tipping over since it will be very top heavy. I assume the stand would be the flush with the tank which would make the center of gravity pretty high.

 

[PjFish]

Ive used this to move industrial equipment about 1500to 2000 pounds.. The problem is getting the wheels to even turn directions with all that down pressure so need to use more wheels.. I would not even think about 80/20 to weak if the stand warps just a fraction may blow out a seem on tank.. If you do attempt only move each end about 1/8 to 1/4 each time then switch sides Will take a while and may take more then one person unless your using a piston jack.. I wouldn’t

 

[JTFletch]

Thank you all for your advice! I think I’ll try this on my smaller, 10g tank, but I’ll leave my larger ones stationary, LOL! Thanks again, you all really helped me think this through!

 

[JTFletch]

What are you going to clean behind it? You worried about salt creep and dust kinda stuff?

My cat drags everything behind the tank and sometimes uses the restroom back there :/

 

[MichaelB]

My cat drags everything behind the tank and sometimes uses the restroom back there :/

Maybe you should consider panels that match the tank that can be held in place and removed of needed. A barrier to prevent that.

 

[H2OPlayar]

My cat drags everything behind the tank and sometimes uses the restroom back there :/

Water proof the area with shower pan liner and spray it down monthly? Or keep the cat out.

 

[archibaldsharper]

I know you said you decided to go a different direction, here's my experience. They are nice for initial setup, moving into final location, and leveling, but useless after that.

I bought 2 aluminum stands for 120 gallons with the casters from Alufab. Aquariums are 54"x29"x20". Half full the movement is very unmanageable, full is a disaster. You need to be able to access the sides to raise and lower the back feet, it takes more force than I expected. They rust and become inoperable.

I do use roller stands for 5-20 gallon quarantines, which work quite well.