Can I use this cabinet for my new fish tank?

[professorjimjam]

Thank you everyone. I went to IKEA and bought this new stand for 120 USD. the horizonal dimension is exactly 100% match with aquarium size and on the width it is bigger as you can see. I cannot tell what kind of wood is used for this, but it sure it was very heavy when I carried it and assembled it. now the surface is flat and even. I asked the IKEA sales person if I can use it for aquarium she said, she does not know. but the stand looks strong. I filled it with water and I see problem so far since 24 hour. I hope the would would not crack. here is a picture.

 

[FJB]

I hate to tell you, but I don't believe that stand is suitable for your tank.
I have several IKEA pieces and they are heavy and strong, but not designed for that purpose, and not suitable as aquarium stands. None of their stuff is made of solid wood, everything is pressed wood with laminations to appear solid. Nothing wrong with that, just not designed to hold an aquarium. Even if it were real wood, the design does not offer strength in the manner needed as per a ~8.3 lbs/gallon of water.

 

[professorjimjam]

I hate to tell you, but I don't believe that stand is suitable for your tank.
I have several IKEA pieces and they are heavy and strong, but not designed for that purpose, and not suitable as aquarium stands. None of their stuff is made of solid wood, everything is pressed wood with laminations to appear solid. Nothing wrong with that, just not designed to hold an aquarium. Even if it were real wood, the design does not offer strength in the manner needed as per a ~8.3 lbs/gallon of water.

I am worried now. what does it mean then? will it break? the size of the tank is 123L. how soon before I know that the stand cannot take this? what are the risks?

just beneath the surface cover, there is strong piece of metal. wouldn't it support?

 

[fishhead0103666]

Perhaps make a stand out of wood? You could easily take it to a cabinet maker and have them turn it into a functional cabinet to your liking while not messing with the structural integrity.

 

[twentyleagues]

I'm sure it'll be as good as the cheap stands that you can get at Petco or whatever. That's not great btw, but they work.

 

[professorjimjam]

So far, I do not see any movement or any sign that it cannot support. but I will monitor it.

 

[fishhead0103666]

So far, I do not see any movement or any sign that it cannot support. but I will monitor it.

Well you could put 10 400 pound fat guys in a 4’ x 2’ area and the floor wouldn’t give even if they stayed there for a day however if they stayed there for a few years then you’ll notice the floor changing. The fat guys are your tank and the floor is your stand.

 

[professorjimjam]

Thanks Goliath Tigerfish

there is a iron rod just beneath the table cover as shown in the picture. would it make the "Floor" a bit stronger to be able to bear the load of fat guys?

 

[DrownedFishonFire]

My beef with ikea furniture, they crumble when stuff happens. The particle boards absorb and swells and shows water damage like ugly scar. By the end of the year my bedroom furniture was very chipped at the edges where vaccum hit it, people rubbing when walking by, etc it drove me bonkers. Swore i will not have particle board furniture here in my household ever again thanks to Ikea shopping spree after graduating from college. Never again ?

 

[professorjimjam]

Thanks