Carpet protection

MC Blowfish · Mar 9, 2026

We moved and my tanks are upstairs on the hardwood floor. My office is carpeted, and I'd like to get something setup next to me I was thinking of setting a small 5 gallon tank next to my desk, so I can have something to break up my day. For those of you who have tanks on carpet. What do you suggest?

Wooden stands or metal?
What can I put down on the carpet to provide some protection from spills?
I was also looking at the PNW Customs tanks. Any issues with those? They look fun. Kind of gimmicky in a way.

Thank you!

56longroof · Mar 9, 2026

I cut out a spot in the carpet and put laminate flooring down for the stand to sit on. Has saved me from wet carpet a few times already.

PointerReefs · Mar 9, 2026

Maybe one of those trays they use for a washer and dryer? Although a bit big for a 5 gallon.

UncommonSense · Mar 9, 2026

MC Blowfish said:
What can I put down on the carpet to provide some protection from spills?

I was actually just looking at these recently:

12" L x 12" W x 3" Hgt. Black Tamco® Tray | U.S. Plastic Corp.

Available in an array of sizes, these heavy-duty Tamco® Trays are durable, strong, and great for use in a variety of industrial applicati...

www.usplastic.com

This particular supplier has a somewhat limited stock of odd sizes, so you may need to search elsewhere… but, I do like the idea of a durable plastic drip pan!

JTP424 · Mar 9, 2026

I use a "Gorilla Mat" under my 15 gallon stand. Doesn't protect if the tank OVERFLOWS but protects from splashes etc.

MC Blowfish · Mar 9, 2026

UncommonSense said:
I was actually just looking at these recently:

12" L x 12" W x 3" Hgt. Black Tamco® Tray | U.S. Plastic Corp.

Available in an array of sizes, these heavy-duty Tamco® Trays are durable, strong, and great for use in a variety of industrial applicati...

www.usplastic.com

This particular supplier has a somewhat limited stock of odd sizes, so you may need to search elsewhere… but, I do like the idea of a durable plastic drip pan!