How much weight on that desk

[eminor]

Hello, i want to put a tank on my desk, 15 or 20 gallons, i was wondering if the desk would handle it. I already a long time ago mounted on the glass ( 75Kg+) all was okay but i don't know how the glass will behave 24/7 with 85+ Kg on it.

Mine is similar to the one on the global picture except the edge of the glass rests on the aluminum frame, I'm pretty sure the frame is solid enough, the glass is 110cm long, 70cm large, 10mm thick.

I would like to put the a part of the tank on the aluminum frame to increase the resistance, is it possible for the desk to handle that tank? thx

glass thickness + frame

glass from the top, is it tempered glass ?

 

[PARAGUAY]

The frame does look solid enough ,can you not replace the glass with timber? Or will it spoil the look

 

[eminor]

The frame does look solid enough ,can you not replace the glass with timber? Or will it spoil the look

Yeah it will look awful :/

I found some desk that look similar but the frames look less massive than mine, they said the glass can handle 130kg maximum

 

[PARAGUAY]

If possible check with the manufacturer, it will have to be safety toughened glass if supplied with the desk frame. Of course still provide suitable base mat for the tank

 

[eminor]

If possible check with the manufacturer, it will have to be safety toughened glass if supplied with the desk frame. Of course still provide suitable base mat for the tank

that desk is really old, like 20 years old, The manufacturer is out of business that's why I can't know, pretty sure it's tempered glass, doubt I could mount on it it without it breaking if it was classic. It's a computer desk, i doubt they would risk using standard glass for safety reasons ?

 

[PARAGUAY]

Looks like only thing you could source old advertising if you can for info on specification ,it's obviously durable for it's purpose for a computer but it's the weight factor that's your unknown,

 

[tam]

First thought is yikes glass, but I guess it's actually no different to sitting a glass tank on a steel frame which is pretty common. I guess things to check would be does the glass contact the frame evenly all the way around - if the frame isn't level then that could be an issue with that much weight. Same with any imperfections in the frame - no points at the joints for example where there is anything proud of the rest of the frame. What they'd consider acceptable standard for the weight of a monitor/keyboard isn't necessarily up to the same standards as a tank frame.

 

[Simon Cole]

You can check to see whether it is tempered glass by using polarised sunglasses, as shown <here>.

 

[eminor]

First thought is yikes glass, but I guess it's actually no different to sitting a glass tank on a steel frame which is pretty common. I guess things to check would be does the glass contact the frame evenly all the way around - if the frame isn't level then that could be an issue with that much weight. Same with any imperfections in the frame - no points at the joints for example where there is anything proud of the rest of the frame. What they'd consider acceptable standard for the weight of a monitor/keyboard isn't necessarily up to the same standards as a tank frame.

The glass is in contact evenly on the front and back frame, on the side there is no frame, just a steel bar the link front and back frame.

The only other option i have for my 15g tank is a cabinet that i used for two years with a 13g tank on it, looks weak though, the tank will have salt water, i think the salt will eat the wood ?

You can check to see whether it is tempered glass by using polarised sunglasses, as shown <here>.

It's tempered glass

 

[Hanuman]

Pictures posted are not that explicit but from what I see there is no way I would ever put a tank on a glass desk like that even if the frame looks solid. That glass contacting the metal frame....cringe. The problem are the contact points and how parallel those contact points are. The smallest amount or imperfection would cause stress on the glass. IMO being tempered or not is a detail that would not enter my criteria to put a tank on there. Only way I would feel more confortable is by removing that glass and replacing it with a solid wood piece, on top of which I would add some foam.

 

[Simon Cole]

I have been following this tread, and feel some moral duty to give an honest opinion and try to help. I concur with @Hanuman. There is a solid engineering discussion that we could have over both of these units, but ultimately we are talking about second-hand furniture. Structural failure basically results in glass flying everywhere and possibly serious or life-threatening injury. I say that if it is your hobby, treat yourself to something safer. A good stand will preserve structural integrity if you or somebody else accidentally leans or falls against it. Would it help to suggest some alternatives?

 

[palcente]

You don't manufacture aquarium stands out of glass for the same reason you don't manufacture submarines out of carbon fibre.

They work until they suddenly don't. They won't bend or develop a crack etc. They blow up in your face.

 

[eminor]

Thanks guys, i'll use the Lido 120 cabinet, which is supposed to hold 500 KG which seems massive, I'll take the safer road

 

[Hanuman]

Good decision!