Exhibits, Shows and Displays

Why are glass aquarium stands hollow in the middle?

The one I have, and all the other stands I've seen don't have a panel for the whole aquarium bottom to be supported. The aquarium just sits on its rims with nothing to support the very bottom of it. Why is that?

Public Comments

1. I know...I dont like that either...I really have no idea, if the the stand manufacturers are on a spree to save some wood or what..but I have the same kind too..I was really upset to find that out and a lil scared to have the aquarium on the stand..but it looks ok...
2. They don't need it because the weight is transferred along the outer edges to the legs to the floor. Its all physics. Although, when you get to MUCH larger tanks, bottom panels or rods are necessary to transfer all of the weight away from the center so it doesn't cave in.
3. Do you mean like the metal stands? You mostly only need support for the tank around the edges, this is where is it the most crucial because that is where all the weight is being distributed. They often make them hollow, or make a hole in them to allow easier access if you were to have sump, or large canister filter underneath. Usually smaller tank stands are not made that way, only larger ones of over 100 gallons.
4. Glass can expand and contract with heating and cooling. The aquarium can shrink or expand on its rims. Sitting flat the glass could crack.
5. This is because I have one and I read the manuel and researched. The hollow pat is there to maintain the weight of the aquarium and also to keep your aquarium stuff their