Drilling Aquarium Stand While Aquarium is Filled on Stand?

[KTrain]

Greetings All,

My question is this: I have a 150 gallon freshwater aquarium (Deep Blue) on the corresponding Deep Blue stand. I'd like to add some 1"-2" holes on the side to run pipe through. This will require me to use a hole bit and drill holes on the side of the stand. The tank is already on the stand with water and fish in it. Will I be ok to drill these holes on the side and not structurally compromise the stand? What if any additional reinforcement should be putting in the stand so I can make this change? I'm trying to avoid the disaster of a collapsing stand if possible. Since the aquarium is putting weight on the stand I want to be sure that I won't cause a failure due to lack of support. Please advise.

Thanks in advance.

 

[stevenjohn21]

Im not sure it would make a difference but i think if it were me i would empty at least half 1st, that way there isnt as much weight obviously (it wouldnt be as top heavy either) and you get your weekly water change out of the way

Just to add and im sure you will but i would drill very slowly

 

[PDRed302]

You should be ok but if you are worried, you could always add some vertical supports to the inside of the stand on the same side you are drilling through (of course not in the way of the future holes). I'm assuming that you will be bringing the pipe through the face of the side of the stand which is probably 1x or plywood. 2 or 3 1x4's should be more than enough.

 

[KTrain]

I was looking at about 4 - 6 holes. I don't remember what material the stand is made out of (not near the aquarium right now), but I was planning on bringing the pipe down the side of the aquarium and into the side of the stand. I'll probably go ahead and add some supports just in case (sounds like some smaller wood will be enough).

Steven, that's a good idea on the water change. I'll do that just to help make myself feel better about it, hahaha.