Is it safe for tank to be slighter larger than Cabinet/stand?

[neverwalkalone]

Hi,

Just wondering if it'll be safe to place a Tank 91.7x45.8x45.8 on top of a cabinet 90x45x45.

The Cabinet can withstand the weight, but is just a tad narrower than the tank. Don't want the tank/silicon to be stressed resulting in leaks.

Any thoughts?

[vinz]

I would suggest you put a stiff wooden board of the appropriate size on the cabinet before you put the tank on it. The board should be about 10mm or thicker. Consider an Ikea SOLID WOOD shelf from one of their shelving/cupboard systems. (Just the shelf without the support units, etc.)

[neverwalkalone]

Noted with thanks Vinz.

Will still require the foam immediately under the tank right? Just making sure.

[vinz]

Yes, still need foam or other suitable padding.

I was wondering whether I should mention that in my reply above. Better safe then sorry, yah?

[bettafantastic]

Yes, better safe than sorry. You would rather spent a small amount of money to buy a wood board to support the tank rather than the tank drop and then...

[neverwalkalone]

Thanks guys. Ya - concur safer is better. Actually have nightmares of tank collapsing in the middle of the night! Not funny.

On a related topic - Vinz indicated SOLID WOOD; of course the idea is "safe than sorry', but just wondering what others think of the 'typical' cabinets sold at LFSes, which are MDF/Plywood; not only for the structure (perhaps some may have 2"x1" structures inside), but the top base as well.

Any thoughts?

[tawauboy]

forget about mdf.
your cabinet should have a frame made of timber. the sides and doors can be made using plywood.
just wipe dry any spillage and you should be fine.

[neverwalkalone]

forget about mdf.
your cabinet should have a frame made of timber. the sides and doors can be made using plywood.
just wipe dry any spillage and you should be fine.

Thomas, why not MDF? Aren't they stronger than plywood? I understand that MDF and plywood will still require 'protection' (laminate or thick coats of paint) from water; as they will be damaged if wet.

Please explain your thoughts on the 2. Of course, budget permitting, solid wood is still best per Vince.

[tawauboy]

mdf is made from wood chips and pressed with some form of resin. the main problem is that they break/disintegrate when they are waterlogged.

plywood does not disintegrate; the top layer may become delaminated from repeated water contact. however, it can maintain its shape and load bearing capabilities. usually a layer or two of lacquer paint will go a long way in protecting plywood from water.

[Fuzzy]

Even MDF which is laminated or veneered is susceptible to water damage.

Over time, its bound to happen.

[vinz]

An alternative is to approach any carpentry shop, and ask them to help you custom make from solid wood or plywood. Have it laminated on one side. Mine was varnished on all sides with rounded corners (especially if you have kids. Squared corners make painful bruises.).

[neverwalkalone]

Interesting that most of the DIY tank cabinets that I've come across from online sites (eg MAC, PlantedFish etc) are made from MDF.

[Fuzzy]

MDF is chosen by more DIYers because its very easy to work with.

Especially for complex shapes and finishing, you don't need tools like wood planes, routers which most casual carpenters won't have on hand.

When you order a cabinet made professionally though, its almost never out of MDF.

[Mudskipper]

Not sure about Singapore, but MDF is much cheaper in the US than plywood or timber. Almost any "wooden" product that is sold in the cheaper outlets like Walmart and Target were made of MDF when I was living there...and after a while, they warp and begin to disintegrate. While functional, these products are intended to be more affordable than durable.

I would be very careful and avoid MDF for an aquarium cabinet, especially in Singapore. It's a lot more humid here and I believe that this alone will contribute to its warping and disintegrating much faster...and you can soon sing Rock A Bye Baby to your aquarium.

Cheers.

[eufamily]

Yes, still need foam or other suitable padding.

I was wondering whether I should mention that in my reply above. Better safe then sorry, yah?

Hi, I'm new here, May I know the purpose for the foam under the tank? What are the other suitable padding? Thanks.

[BFG]

Hi, I'm new here, May I know the purpose for the foam under the tank? What are the other suitable padding? Thanks.

It's to absorb any minor un-levelness of the cabinet/stand surface. But if it's a major un-levelness, your tank will leak.

[eufamily]

It's to absorb any minor un-levelness of the cabinet/stand surface. But if it's a major un-levelness, your tank will leak.

I didn't think about that. I'm getting a wooden cabinet for my 3ft tank and it's something I over looked.Thanks for the tip.
So a layer of those thin Styrofoam sheets bought from the book shop should be enough, right?

[BFG]

Not the so thin ones, a step up is better.

[herns]

Hi,

Just wondering if it'll be safe to place a Tank 91.7x45.8x45.8 on top of a cabinet 90x45x45.

The Cabinet can withstand the weight, but is just a tad narrower than the tank. Don't want the tank/silicon to be stressed resulting in leaks.

Any thoughts?

As long as it carries the load of your tank and does not sway when HDB experience earthquake, I think its OK.

[neverwalkalone]

As long as it carries the load of your tank and does not sway when HDB experience earthquake, I think its OK.

Ha, ha, ha.. should be ok, I'm on the ground floor!

Seriously though, have decided to be safe and go with what Vinz adviced on a support of the same/larger dimensions. My cousin's Marine tank gave way at 3am in the morning, so it's not funny to have to clean the mess (not to mention the great loss!)

Thanks!