[colmmc182]

Hello folks, Im looking into building an entertainment unit. Its gonna be approx 6 feet high and 5 foot wide. The catch is, im putting a 5 foot fish tank along the top of it!! The ank will be about 50cm high and about 50-80cm front-back. I understand the engineering to go into it, THATS ALOT OF WATER weight i know. but what wud be a very good strong wood that u cud reccomend. I need a wood that when it has the tank ontop of it can resist buckling even the slightest bit. This is a MASSIVe project so im not rushing into it or anythin but im tryin to get my research done. any help u have wud be a great help thanks. Any suggestions or ideas are welcome

 

[DangerMouse]

yup, lotsa weight there, fer sure.... you'll need to look at the floor where it's gonna set too! is the structure strong enough to hold it?
a rough sketch of what you want to build could help to determine the stress factors involved. more weight will be added by a heavy TV and/or stereo equipment as well.

DM

 

[Maintenance 6]

I would certainly use a hardwood like oak. Practically any hardwood will carry the weight if it's engineered correctly. You'll need some massive supports to carry that much water in a concentrated area.

 

[DangerMouse]

gee, and here i was gonna say OSB and balsa wood..... lol

DM

 

[cabinetman]

A rough sketch of the overall size and what will be fitted will help in the best method of fabrication and materials that can be used. If properly constructed with bracing to prevent racking and twisting, it doesn't have to be "overbuilt".

Some of the details that would help include the basic look desired, and if a wood finish, what species may be applicable, whether it will be painted or what other finishes are considered.

 

[Scuba_Dave]

I typed up a response to your last post
But your post & my reply seem to be gone

50cm = 20", 80 = ~32"
A 6' tank 20" tall & 32" front to back is about 166 gallons
166 * 8.34 = ~1385 pounds

You will need to have support under the floor
Beam support on top to support the tank
Is this going on a concerte slab? 1st floor?

I have a 125g tank sitting on top of a main beam in the house
But its only 33" off the floor

 

[DangerMouse]

yup, like dave says, that's going to be a LOT of weight.... be sure it rock solid under it!!! i'd hate to have to clean up THAT mess if it fails!
if it were me, i'd think about using LVLs to support the tank and build around it.
design the bracing first, then think about the rest. using hidden LVLs could keep the cost for the rest a bit cheaper as well, as you could then use any wood to wrap the frame... but then again, the LVL is pretty expensive! owell.... just bouncin' ideas....

DM

 

[Scuba_Dave]

I'd also use 3/4" plywood on the back for added strength
Properly designed it will work
Myself I'd rather have it lower & have the TV sit on top of it
Keep in mind you need to add water & change out water

and water over expensive electrical......bad idea

 

[DangerMouse]

that's funny.... that was my first mental picture... using a step stool to feed the fish.... lol
and draining and cleaning is gonna be fun.....

DM

 

[ralphfravel]

Remarks about weight and how to handle this during construction have been fleshed out pretty well by others. As an electrical engineer experienced with audio gear, I have to say that putting that much water above an expensive entertainment center seems like an invitation to disaster to me. Leaks, spillage during cleaning and maintenance, refilling... the water will always travel downward. Think through this very carefully so an unsafe condition isn't created.

 

[Scuba_Dave]

Yeah, my hippo tang actually splashes water out of the tank
Usually when he wants some food
I have a hood on the tank, the water still drips down the sides