best place in house for 55 gal tank?

[FourFoot12]

It's my first day, please don't laugh at me! :o

I was thinking about putting the 55 gal tank on a large windowsill in my dining room, but now I am concerned it will be too heavy up there once it has the water and rocks and other stuff in it ... does anyone have any thoughts or experience in this matter?

My other option is to use the lovely wooden stand that it came with and put it in the living room. My concern is that I have a lively 2 year old labrador who loves to run about the house. Do you think he can knock it over (logistically)? The people we bought the tank and stand from said 'no way' and they have a labrador also -- BUT then again, they were trying to sell the fish tank!! Any experiences -- good or bad -- on this subject?

[fatfutures]

I don't think a window is a good idea... too much light.

Now, if you have a wall to place the stand against in your living room, it should be fine! Even with the pooch!

I think my guys are a tad bigger than your lab :D. Actually the boys are pretty careful about not crashing into things but, accidents do happen. But, having the tank against the wall like this is pretty secure.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/176/419514493_5d85fd792a.jpg

[FourFoot12]

thanks! that picture is worth 500 words ... at least! cute puppies you have there, btw.

[fatfutures]

You are welcome!

And, thank you! Those are my boys! Big goofy critters!

[ElijahTurtle]

I doubt your lab would be able to do much to it even if he ran into the stand. Just make sure it's close enough to the wall that he won't try to nose his way behind it. Other than trying to eat your fish through the glass he probably will pay little attention to it.

[mongo]

I have an 64 pound weimaranar and three rambunctious kids...never had a problem. As long as the tank was close to the wall. Good luck and post up some pics when you decide.

[Goathead]

I agree, window will be a algae nightmare, and if my brainless 80 pound pitbull hasnt knocked mine over yet i think your safe..:)

[EAST_TX_RN]

FF: That is one cute photo of your dogs! I have two Great Danes, and when they play-fight, it looks like two T-Rex's going at it, they are so big! I agree it would be an algae nightmare if you put it on the windowsill. Heck, I have to cut down on the amount of lighting time to my two tanks to keep the algae in check!

[fishyjoe24]

don't worry you shouldn't have a problem i have 3 and they haven't knocked over my take only then they try to do is get the stand doors open with no luck.

[AndrewH]

:point: @ Joey. I'd like to see a bulldozer knock over a 240 gallon tank full of water, fish, gravel, etc.

FYI... for an aquarium, a good rough estimate is 10 pounds per gallon. So 10 gallon = 100 lbs, 55 gallon = 550 lbs (and 240 gallon = 2400 lbs :D)

I had a 55 on a cheap partical board stand for 3 years with 2 kiddos and a lab with no problems. I since took it down to up grade to a 90 and still have no problems (except for little finger prints everywhere, :D) though I no longer use partical board nor would I suggest it ;)

[fishyjoe24]

maybe i should get a saint bernaird or a wolf hound and see if they can knock the tank down.

[bra8ndy8]

I have a 230 lb English Mastiff....and he hasn't put a dent on any of my tanks!!