Do-it-yourself aquarium cabinet: the best projects and their manufacturing features

A beautiful and large aquarium in the house is a stylish addition to the interior, helping to create a unique and cozy atmosphere. A living area with a complex ecosystem requires special care, and a do-it-yourself aquarium cabinet will be an excellent addition to the arrangement.

A stable and practical piece of furniture ensures that the tank is installed in one position and will facilitate maintenance procedures. Before starting the creative process, you should carry out detailed preparations, select a project or draw it up yourself, and prepare materials.

Varieties

When choosing a stand for an aquarium, you need to pay attention not only to the shape of the product, but also to its material. You should also not neglect the size of the product. The result of the acquisition will depend on the owner’s preferences, but it is worth considering in more detail each of the listed indicators.

By shape

Modern manufacturers offer to purchase cabinets in the following shapes:

• rectangular;
• square;
• angular;
• curly.

Curly

Corner

Rectangular

Square
Rectangular cabinets are considered classic, since most containers are produced in this form. This product is universal and can be placed anywhere in the room.

A square-shaped cabinet will be appropriate for a container in the form of a circle or square. Installing an aquarium on this model of cabinet will be simple, in addition, it will fit perfectly into the interior of a room with small dimensions. Such a piece of furniture would be well placed in a recreation area.

A corner cabinet means its location in the corner of the room. By purchasing such a model, the consumer significantly saves space. The device is suitable for both corner and rectangular aquariums. Using a cabinet for a corner aquarium assumes that it has rounded shapes that do not protrude beyond the model.

Figured products are made to order, according to the user’s individual sizes. The model drawing is made strictly in accordance with the dimensions of the glass container; this shape is selected to suit the style of the room and the specifics of the interior.

The best option for a small room would be corner tables fitted into a free corner. They will not take up much space, but a triangular-shaped aquarium will have its own design nuances.

When choosing a product, remember that the water tank should not protrude beyond the bedside table or hang over it - this is contrary to the rules for using a glass fish container.

To size

When installing a water tank on the surface of the bedside table, the product must stand level. In this case, the load from the container is evenly distributed along the entire perimeter of the tabletop. Depending on the displacement of the aquarium, the length and thickness of the top bar varies. For a cabinet for 200 liter aquariums, you will need a wide tabletop with a reinforced base; for a product with a volume of 60 liters, a regular cabinet will be enough.

According to size, furniture for a fish tank can be divided into the following categories:

• small - these models include products designed for an aquarium capacity from 70 to 100 liters. The length of such cabinets varies in the range of 60-70 cm, the width is often 30 cm. The height of the cabinet depends on the manufacturer, usually it is made comfortable so that the user was able to go to the cabinet under the 100 liter aquarium and feed the pets;
• medium - this includes aquarium cabinets with a length of 70-80 cm. On such products it is convenient to place a tank with a volume of 120 liters, as well as aquarium models with a similar length and a capacity of 150 liters;
• large - models related to large-sized products are distinguished by their large length. They are available in sizes from 100 cm. When placing a 300 liter aquarium on such a bedside table, you need to be careful, checking the furniture for stability. It will also be comfortable to install a product with a smaller volume, for example 240 liters, on a large cabinet.

Most manufacturers adhere to standard length and width dimensions; only the height of the models may differ. It is advisable to purchase a panoramic aquarium with a stand as a set, because problems may arise with finding a suitable stand for such a large tank.

According to the material of manufacture

The materials from which these pieces of furniture are made must be waterproof. Constantly getting water on the surface of the aquarium cabinet will cause the base of the product to swell and be damaged.

Modern manufacturers use the following materials for models:

• tree;
• chipboard;
• MDF;
• metal.

MDF

Chipboard

Metal

Wooden
A product based on solid wood is considered durable and environmentally friendly. Such models most often have a high cost and decorate rich and elaborate interiors. Often, wooden stands for an aquarium are made by hand and framed with original carvings. They can be made from any solid material, and can also be painted with varnish to repel water.

Chipboard models are distinguished by their simplicity and affordability. Often products are complemented by side open shelves or glass in the door area. Chipboard bedside tables are considered reliable, but it is not recommended to install panoramic aquariums on such devices.

MDF panels are excellent as raw materials for cabinets. Their main difference from previous products is the extensive possibility of decorating facades, which allows you to choose a model of an aquarium cabinet that is in harmony with the existing interior.

The last option is a metal cabinet for aquariums. This design is considered the most reliable of all listed, because metal is a durable material that can withstand any load. The tabletop of such a product can be made from any raw material. For example, a cabinet for a 300-liter aquarium must in any case have a metal frame, otherwise the base will not withstand the weight distribution.

Regardless of the volume of the aquarium, choose furniture products whose structure is additionally reinforced with metal stands.

Rules for placing an aquarium in the interior

When placing any model of aquarium cabinet, you will have to take into account a number of requirements:

• The interfloor ceiling must be load-bearing. The weight of an aquarium with soil and inhabitants can reach 1 or several tons. If the house is not “young”, then when installing a large aquarium you will have to obtain permission from architects and engineering calculations. Violation of this requirement may result in your pets “going” to the neighbors along with the cabinet;
• The floor will have to be strengthened with reinforcement. It is also necessary to level it (you can make a screed). This of course does not apply to 25 liter babies. But when installing any container with a volume of over 50 liters, a tie is required;
• Do not be fooled by the fact that a narrow aquarium will put less strain on the furniture. This is fundamentally wrong. The narrower and higher the “can” device, the more powerful the downward load will be. It is better to choose long and wide options;
• Preferred rooms with a noticeable change of day and night (bedroom, living room, children's room). Violation of this rule leads to nervousness and frequent illness of the inhabitants. If there are no windows in the room, then it is better to use plant-based aqua systems without fish, or you will have to keep the backlight on all day. At the same time, direct placement in front of the window is extremely undesirable. Excessive sunlight will cause accelerated algae growth. While its lack can cause growth to stop;
• Fish are afraid of drafts and sudden temperature changes. Such “neighbors” as heaters, air conditioners, entrance doors, ventilation are contraindicated for aquariums;
• Avoid proximity to stereo systems, powerful speakers and other sources of sound waves. Nearby refrigerators, microwave ovens and other wave household appliances are also undesirable. All this will negatively affect the health of the fish. But be sure to take care of the presence of sockets nearby.

Main indicators of practicality

In addition to its pleasant appearance, do not forget that the bedside table for the aquarium must perform a number of functions included in it by the manufacturer. To do this, there is a list of criteria that determine the practicality of the product:

• moisture resistance - each material used in the design of the product must not absorb moisture. The constant use of fish food, the procedure for cleaning the tank and other manipulations lead to water flowing onto the cabinet. Manufacturers try to additionally treat chipboard and MDF with compounds that prevent moisture penetration;
• tendency to deformation - among furniture products there are also those that can crumble into pieces with a slight impact. Keep in mind that the aquarium is heavy, and during operation the cabinet should not deform under load;
• strength - the back wall of the product must be reinforced with metal racks. Using fiberboard alone will not be enough if you plan to use a 200 liter aquarium with a stand. It is best if not only the rear pillars, but the entire product is equipped with metal inserts;
• holes for cords - it’s a good idea if the future bedside table is equipped with additional openings for power cords and tubes. For example, it is very convenient to place a corner aquarium on such a product: you will not need to look for a way out of the situation where to place the protruding connections to the tank;
• doors - think about the fact that all the equipment for feeding and caring for the fish needs to be located somewhere. Most likely, these will be shelves in a cabinet, so it is better that the doors cover them.

It is also worth paying attention to the thickness of the tabletop, on which the stability of the bedside table will depend. The photos presented in our material show that this value should not be small. Taking into account the main strength indicators, you can proceed to choosing a model.

Aquarium cabinet - features of models

Aquarium cabinets have a number of features that distinguish them from standard pieces of furniture. These include:

• reinforced structure capable of withstanding significant loads without deformation;
• the frame is complemented by vertical supports installed inside the body, which evenly distribute the weight;
• materials used demonstrate increased moisture resistance;
• the product usually has no supporting elements and is installed directly on the floor, this guarantees maximum stability;
• the height of the structure ranges from 60 to 90 cm, which allows you to look at the inhabitants of the aquarium both while standing and sitting comfortably on the sofa;
• The rear wall has openings for exiting wires and hoses.

An aquarium bedside table primarily serves as a stand, but its functions are not limited to this. The internal compartments contain equipment for maintaining the vital functions of fish and plants, food, and care devices.

Not the least attention should be paid to the exterior decoration, since the product must be harmoniously combined with other interior items.

Making the right choice

When an aquarium is purchased, it is worth thinking about where it will be located. It is highly recommended not to place the product on furniture items not intended for this purpose. Firstly, the furniture simply will not withstand the load, and secondly, it will not perform the functions required of the cabinets. We will tell you below what subtleties you should pay attention to:

• displacement of the aquarium - depending on the volume of the tank, stands for the aquarium are selected that can withstand the existing weight. For example, choosing a bedside table for an aquarium - a panorama needs to be done wisely. Only reinforced products can withstand such a huge load distribution;
• shape of the bedside table - if the aquarium is corner, then the model of the bedside table should be appropriate. It is hardly convenient to place square or rectangular containers on such products. A corner cabinet for an aquarium will be the best option for a triangular-shaped fish tank;
• availability of additional devices - depending on the manufacturer of the aquarium, it may have various accessories required for its location. For example, the use of a 60-liter reef aquarium cabinet implies the presence of additional holes for tubes;
• evenness of the tabletop - do not forget that before installation it is important to check how level the tabletop is. Usually, an additional sheet of plywood is placed under the cabinet itself so that the weight is distributed evenly. Some products do not have full doors and are made in the form of a stand. In such cases, the leg of the cabinet must be stable, and the tabletop must bear the entire load;
• appearance - choose the product to suit your interior. If the room is made in strict classical colors, then the glass for the cabinet can be tinted; in the case of a romantic interior style, you can purchase a product with milled facades.

Having made the right choice, the consumer receives a high-quality result suitable for use over a long period of time. A beautiful and reliable cabinet will please the eye and perform its functions.

Dimensions

The size of the cabinet is directly related to the size of the aquarium. The tank is glass, so any distortion or overhang can cause uneven distribution of loads. This situation always ends with the appearance of cracks and destruction of the housing. The main supporting element is the tabletop or upper platform. The successful installation of an aquarium of one size or another depends on its size and shape. It is customary to conventionally distinguish between three types of furniture:

1. Small ones. These usually include models that can withstand containers with a capacity of 70–100 liters. The length of the support platform is 0.6–0.7 m with a depth of about 0.3 m.
2. Average. On such models you can install an aquarium with a capacity of 120–150 liters. Their length can be 0.7–0.8 m, width - 0.3 m.
3. Big ones. These are stands for large tanks with a volume of 200 l to 300 l. The minimum height of the supporting plane should be 1 m. It is important to ensure sufficient strength of such a cabinet, since the load will be very large. Any distortion or sagging can cause destruction of the aquarium with dire consequences.

Types of shoe cabinets, model features, useful additions

Not only individual cabinets are produced, but also entire sets consisting of 3 tiers:

• lower - supporting structure;
• middle - the tank itself;
• the top - a lid combined with mezzanines.

Usually the capacity of such kits is very large. To ensure reliable support, the design includes additional reinforcing elements and stiffeners. The dimensions of such models are quite large, in length - from 1.5 m, in height - from 1.3 to 2 m. To install a cabinet of this type, you need a large room; it is not advisable to choose such designs in a typical panel apartment.

Small

Average

Big

Three-tier

Photo

Manufacturing materials

Various materials are used to make supporting structures for aquariums:

1. Chipboard. This is the most common option used for assembling furniture. Please note that chipboard cabinets are only suitable for small or medium-sized tanks. The material is not resistant to moisture; contact with it destroys it. In addition, panels under load are prone to sagging. If the cabinet is made of chipboard, it is necessary to strengthen the tabletop and install additional rigidity elements. The advantage of the material is its low cost, due to which it gained its popularity.
2. MDF. This is one of the varieties of fiberboard, which is thicker and more rigid. The main property of the material is the ability to absorb moisture and then release it without losing its working qualities. Suitable for assembling stands for medium-sized tanks. Despite its specific capabilities, it needs protection from water. In addition, reinforcement of the structure is required.
3. Tree. The rigidity and strength of natural wood depend on the species and method of preparation of the material. If the raw materials are properly dried and stabilized, you can use them to create stands for large aquarium models. The only condition will be reliable protection from contact with moisture. The disadvantage of wooden cabinets is their tendency to dry out, crack, and warp.
4. Metal. As a rule, only a frame made of it is used, sheathed on the outside with decorative panels made of chipboard or other materials. This method allows you to obtain the most durable support that does not lose its performance under significant loads. Furniture made using metal is quite heavy.

For installation of heavy, large containers, a metal frame is most preferable. For relatively small aquariums, other materials with lower load-bearing capacity are suitable.

Tree

MDF

laminated chipboard

Metal