Habitat - Indoor :: Stock Tank questions - please advise

[Peva]

When you do finish setting it up, April, I'd love to see a picture of the setup.

[April994]

Thanks, guys! I will post some pics when it's all finished, but it's going to be pretty basic. I'll also post some pics of my old setup as soon as I find my old hard drive.
I've procured aquarium sealant, will clean the tank with diluted vinegar tomorrow, and seal the bulkhead on Saturday!

We're at an impasse with how to raise the tank off the ground. My father (who owns the house and is concerned about the weight issue) went from "I'll help you build a nice platform out of 2x4s and plywood" to "we're just going to stack 2x4s on top of each other; nails, etc are unnecessary because the weight of the tank will keep it from falling over. We're not topping it with plywood either." I think that's a really bad idea, and he's really stubborn, so that part of the project has stalled.

[steve]

If you don't care how it looks, just get some cinder blocks at a hardware store.

[Kansasslider]

Yea, you don't want to let him build something that's going to fall down! Light weight block would work just make sure you don't lay them on their side.

[Jeremiah]

If you use blocks, be sure to put something under them in case they get little chunks of brick material in the floor.

[April994]

So, I think I have moved past "wooden platform" and onto cinderblocks. We had a big fight about it, and he said he'd rather take my turtle to a shelter than help me. So I'm on my own with the platform. I saw a post somewhere about the best way to position the cinder blocks under the tank but now I can't find it.... I've seen pics of stock tanks that have developed cracks on the bottom because they weren't supported correctly, and I want to avoid that.

[Kansasslider]

Sorry to hear that. If it were me I would still put a piece of some type of plywood on top of the block. You want enough blocks to support the whole tank. You could also try it without a raised platform.

[April994]

So- Do I want to make sure the holes in the cinder blocks are facing up and down? Or do the holes face the side??

Would it be safe to have 3 rows of blocks (2 on either end, plus one in the middle) - like this: http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chetifall/media/fish/DSC03989-1.jpg.html

Or would it be better to make a "ring" of blocks along the outer edge, with no support in the middle?

Sorry for the stupid questions! I'm nervous that I'll do it the wrong way and end up lots of damage in the end.

[steve]

I don't think all cinder blocks are the same, but should holes facing up. Basically the shortest length should be the vertical face. You could use 5 or 6... 2 at each end, 1 or 2 in the center. Rubbermaid stock tanks are pretty durable, I have not seen many damaged.

[Kansasslider]

You need support in the middle. Block should be smaller hole up. You want 8x8x16 light weight block. Trust me on this one I'm a Brick Mason. The photo is correct. Three rows is fine as long as you use wood like in the photo. I would use 5/8" or 3/4" wood.

[April994]

Another long update. I feel like this stock tank journey had evolved into a soap opera. I hope I'm keeping you guys entertained at least.

My father got more information about how much weight my 2nd floor bedroom can support. According to his calculations, I would need to distribute the weight of my tank (w/40 gallons of water, NOT including the weight any stand.) over an area of 3 feet x 6 feet to make it safe! (Disclaimer: I'm not a math person, I don't know if his math is correct.) That means my previous 40 gallon glass tank was unsafe. It also means I’d have to sell most of my possessions in order to fit this thing in the room.

I made it clear that I am not giving up my turtle, so we’ve FINALLY reached an agreement to set the tank up in the unheated back porch until October. Over the winter, I’ll have to renegotiate to move the tank “somewhere on concrete” - either the basement, or family room; both are on a concrete foundation.

My turtle has never lived in an unheated area of the house. At what outside temps is it safe to move her to the unheated porch? I‘m in the Philadelphia area and it‘s been going down to the mid 30s at night… (but I will have a strong water heater and basking light)
Also, the porch gets hot in the summer - into the 90s. Will that be ok? Will I need to find a way to cool the water somehow?

EDIT:Kansasslider & steve: Thanks for the information re: cinder blocks!!! Now that weight isn't a concern, I can configure 8 blocks so there are no gaps under the tank. Plus, I'll place 1/4" plywood between the floor and blocks, and between the blocks and tank.

[Peva]

You might want to do your own research on what your father says as well just to make sure. Not saying he is wrong, but doing your own research is not only a helpful exercise but can be an helpful second step.

[April994]

Peva - I wouldn't be surprised if my father was way, way off with his calculations. I was SHOCKED when he told me the platform would have to be 3' x 6'!! But this actually works to my advantage. I can stick the whole thing on cinder blocks without worrying that it'll fall through the floor, water changes will be easier, my turtle will be happier in the summer months. Plus, I'm not limited to 40 gallons of water in a 70 gallon tank! The weight issue has been a HUGE pain in the [---] through this whole thing!!

[Kansasslider]

If its getting in the 30° range at night you would need one heck of a heater. I would recommend moving it to the basement instead.

[steve]

How big is your bedroom? With a tank near an exterior wall, it shouldn't be a problem. Also, it's a stock tank so it's so much more durable.