Tank on nice furniture - how to protect?

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beatle

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Dec 7, 2005
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Alexandria, VA
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I'm going to be getting a sturdy TV stand from my grandmother very soon. It's 36 inches wide, so I think it'll be a nice place for a 3 ft. tank. :) Since this isn't a run-of-the-mill tank stand, I'd like to take care of it. What's the best way to keep water from getting trapped under the tank? I'm guessing styrofoam or some kind of waterproof pad. I thought I remember seeing a mat at drsfostersmith.com that could be placed on the carpet that had a waterproof backing and was absorbent on top, but I can't find it now. Suggestions?

I found the mat I was thinking of:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=14697&Ntt=mat&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&pc=1&N=0&Nty=1
 
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It's kinda hard to prevent condensation of any kind when you have a big tank on wood. My ex is an antiques dealer and woodworker, and had to deal alot with wood that got moisture trapped under the finish!! If the good DRs make something for carpets, I'm not sure it would still protect wood. Even thick glass top can condensate. Plexi, lexan too. Plastic sheeting, etc. Maybe there are some high tech products out there now--just thought I'd offer my 2 taters worth!! Good luck. ~renee
 
I wouldn't recommend putting a fish tank of any size on furniture you hold any value for other than one that's meant to hold a fish tank, such as a stand built for the tanks. Along with the water issues, you will also be pushing the integrity of the piece of furniture causing bows and such just from the weight alone. I suggest against it and if you're looking for something for the tank, get a tank stand.
 
This TV stand is sturdier than my current tank stand. It's not some Ikea particleboard rubbish. Structural integrity is not an issue. Maybe I should ask the person who proposed and got this mat up for sale at DrsF+S if it'd be sufficient for water protection, which is what it was designed for.
 
There is a marine varnish, that is designed to protect wood exposed to very humis places, even those pieces of wood that get sprinkled by saltwater.

You couls try that, but eventually water will make its way trough.
 
Is this something that can be applied to furniture that is already finished or would I need to refinish the furniture from the ground up? I'd rather just apply something to the top of the stand instead of finishing the entire piece. The other surfaces will not be as susceptible to moisture, as I could easily wipe them down if they got wet.
 
What about creating a platform to place directly between the tank and the furniture? You could simply use MDF cut to size and painted with melamine (in a colour to match the trim on your tank).
 
mishi8 said:
What about creating a platform to place directly between the tank and the furniture? You could simply use MDF cut to size and painted with melamine (in a colour to match the trim on your tank).
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or a piece of glass?
 
this can be pretty tricky.

you can use glass..but glass can trap moisture..glass tends to be at the temp that it is exposed to.

wood in itself tends to have moisture in it and it breathes.

the finish that is on the wood can determine if the wood willl breath thru that membrane.
the plus side

that being said in most cases the temp in your house is somewhat stable and you may not see lot of condensation ..

I am curious tho a bout the air trapped between the glass and the wood surface..couple that with water that seems to find its way under glass(spills) I have seen the water flow along the conours of the glass and can get under the glass.

food for thought..

I may need to research...LOL
 
Also, the only wat to really ensure you'll have no condensation would be leaving a small gap among the tank botton and the furniture surface, to allow air circulation.

I've looked at all the options, and there will always be a large change of water gettin trapped under the tank.

You could also sit the tank and then use silicone to seal all around the tank, but this wqould damge the furniture as well.
 
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