Stand from Ikea for NUVO 15

[RichardL]

Hi, I have seen a lot of people using stand/shelf/table from ikea for their aquarium, while the max weight on the ikea web is way smaller than the actual aquarium. I am going to set up a NUVO 15, and I am looking for a cheap stand. Any one know whether this will work? The tank will put weight on the vertical legs so it seems good? Thank you! Link

 

[Quietman]

Looks like 1 1/2" mdf construction or equivalent. From a strength only stand point, I'd trust one or two stacked with a couple of warnings.

Lateral stability might be an issue. A couple hundred pounds on butt end joined box with no back could be a risk. I would beef it up with a couple of angle brackets or perhaps a 1/2 sheet of plywood back. And place it somewhere it doesn't get bumped into. Good advice for any stand.

Make sure it's sealed and water resistant. Soon as MDF gets wet it loses all strength. As long as it's sealed with plastic/paint/coating, it'll be just fine. That goes for any drilling you do for support. Unlikely it gets wet enough to cause issues during normal reef maintenance but just something to be aware of.

I would also test it before aquarium with a brute can or something that holds 15 gallons or equivalent. Give a few bumps see what's what and if you need to add any additional support.

 

[Idoc]

A 15 gal tank is going to be around 120lbs water plus tank, live rock, etc...

I don't think I would trust the stand you have linked. It looks solid until you read the materials section that sounds like the boards are hollow filled with honeycomb paper...and it doesn't give the thickness of the particle boards.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Looking at the description, its only 16" high? That means you would need to stack 2 maybe 3 of them? If they are stacked, would they be solid? An aquarium on top of stacked blocks is a bit risky to me

The hollow middle is a bit off-putting, since salt tanks have so many gadgets and wires, how will you hide everything?

And as we know, ikea is pressed wood, I don't know how that will stand up to salt water over time.

 

[Quietman]

A 15 gal tank is going to be around 120lbs water plus tank, live rock, etc...

I don't think I would trust the stand you have linked. It looks solid until you read the materials section that sounds like the boards are hollow filled with honeycomb paper...and it doesn't give the thickness of the particle boards.

Yeah, if the material isn't mdf or equivalent but some kind of cardboard - all bets are off.

 

[RichardL]

Looks like 1 1/2" mdf construction or equivalent. From a strength only stand point, I'd trust one or two stacked with a couple of warnings.

Lateral stability might be an issue. A couple hundred pounds on butt end joined box with no back could be a risk. I would beef it up with a couple of angle brackets or perhaps a 1/2 sheet of plywood back. And place it somewhere it doesn't get bumped into. Good advice for any stand.

Make sure it's sealed and water resistant. Soon as MDF gets wet it loses all strength. As long as it's sealed with plastic/paint/coating, it'll be just fine. That goes for any drilling you do for support. Unlikely it gets wet enough to cause issues during normal reef maintenance but just something to be aware of.

I would also test it before aquarium with a brute can or something that holds 15 gallons or equivalent. Give a few bumps see what's what and if you need to add any additional support.

Thanks for your reply! That's really helpful!

 

[RichardL]

Thanks! The web says: Particle- and fiberboard with honeycomb paper filling (100% recycled paper), Paper foil, Printed and embossed acrylic paint, Plastic edging.

 

[RichardL]

Looks like 1 1/2" mdf construction or equivalent. From a strength only stand point, I'd trust one or two stacked with a couple of warnings.

Lateral stability might be an issue. A couple hundred pounds on butt end joined box with no back could be a risk. I would beef it up with a couple of angle brackets or perhaps a 1/2 sheet of plywood back. And place it somewhere it doesn't get bumped into. Good advice for any stand.

Make sure it's sealed and water resistant. Soon as MDF gets wet it loses all strength. As long as it's sealed with plastic/paint/coating, it'll be just fine. That goes for any drilling you do for support. Unlikely it gets wet enough to cause issues during normal reef maintenance but just something to be aware of.

I would also test it before aquarium with a brute can or something that holds 15 gallons or equivalent. Give a few bumps see what's what and if you need to add any additional support.

The web says: Particle- and fiberboard with honeycomb paper filling (100% recycled paper), Paper foil, Printed and embossed acrylic paint, Plastic edging.

 

[RichardL]

Looking at the description, its only 16" high? That means you would need to stack 2 maybe 3 of them? If they are stacked, would they be solid? An aquarium on top of stacked blocks is a bit risky to me

The hollow middle is a bit off-putting, since salt tanks have so many gadgets and wires, how will you hide everything?

And as we know, ikea is pressed wood, I don't know how that will stand up to salt water over time.

Hi No I won't stack them. I know it is 16" but I just want to put it by my sofa so height is fine!

The web says the material is : Particle- and fiberboard with honeycomb paper filling (100% recycled paper), Paper foil, Printed and embossed acrylic paint, Plastic edging

 

[Shnetts]

a metal framed shelf is your best bet!

 

[RichardL]

I saw some people are using this for 20 or even 30+ gallon tank. However, on the web it says the max load is 44lb, and the material are: Particleboard, Fiberboard, Paper foil, Plastic edging, Plastic edging, Plastic edging, Paper foil. This also looks not sturdy enough.