One of the most pleasant, relaxing forms of relaxation is watching fish in an aquarium. To improve a person’s emotional state, there is no need to conduct hour-long sessions in front of them, it is enough to just see in the field of vision. A good overview can be provided by an aquarium cabinet, which simultaneously performs decorative and operational tasks. It must have the necessary strength and visual appeal to enable comfortable contemplation of the underwater world in miniature.
Design Features
An aquarium cabinet, as a rule, performs several tasks at once:
- provides reliable support for a fragile glass tank;
- raises the aquarium to the required height above the floor;
- used for storing various accessories (feed, water filters, nets, sponges).
A medium-sized aquarium holds at least 15 liters of water. It is known that 1 liter is approximately 1 kg. It’s easy to imagine how much weight a cabinet under a container holding 150–200 liters must withstand. It is important that the structure is sufficiently reinforced. In addition, the following conditions must be met:
- The countertop and other elements must be resistant to moisture.
- It is necessary that there are vertical jumpers along the entire length of the furniture. They are needed to evenly distribute the weight of the aquarium, otherwise the tabletop will gradually sag.
- Reinforced back wall of furniture.
- It is advisable to have a small side on the cabinet so that the tank does not slip off.
- Furniture can either have no legs at all, or must be equipped with durable supports with adjustable heights.
As a rule, a bedside table is used only for storing aquarium accessories. However, if it is large enough, you can adapt it for other needs . Advantages of using a cabinet:
- it becomes possible to approach the tank from all sides;
- the conditions for cleaning and maintaining the aquarium are improved, it is easier to change water and filters;
- It’s more convenient to watch the fish.
Photos in the interior
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When placing an aquarium, focus not only on the design of the base cabinet. It must have a reinforced frame and be intended specifically for these purposes. Otherwise, instead of decoration, you will get a lot of problems with the risk of flooding your neighbors.
Varieties
There are many options for designs and shapes of stands. They can be divided into two groups: standard, curly. The most common are the classic varieties. These include the following options:
- Square. These cabinets are quite narrow and tall.
- Rectangular. This option is the most common. Such models are suitable for most aquariums in all respects.
A variety of bedside tables, their features and main dimensions.
Options designed for installation in a corner are somewhat less common:
- corner - the tabletop is shaped like the letter “L”;
- triangular - the tabletop is made in the form of a corresponding figure, the sides of which are adjacent to the walls.
The rarest are shaped cabinets for an aquarium. Users are not very willing to choose them as the shape requires a suitable tank design. Usually they buy something more convenient that matches the size of the aquarium.
In addition to individual models, there are also built-in compartments in the walls. Any furniture set has a special recess for the TV. Some owners prefer to save room space and install an aquarium in this niche. This technique allows you to free up space in the room, but makes it difficult to clean and replace water, and complicates the maintenance of additional devices (filters, compressor).
Rectangular
Square
Corner
How to choose a container for different rooms?
Each room has its own characteristics. If you decide to install an aquarium in a room, then first of all you should take into account its functionality. Based on this, the appropriate model, shape and configuration is selected. This will allow you to create an individual room interior with a comfortable environment.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Magnetic stand decoration
A home bar is the perfect space for experimentation and new design ideas . You can decorate this design in different ways. An aquarium cube at the base would be a great solution. Not all homeowners can boast of such decoration, since it is a real luxury item.
The main component of the magnetic appeal of this device lies in the beautiful lighting. You can install multi-colored LED bulbs that will allow you to create several stunning illumination effects, not only static, but also dynamic, in the room.
The built-in glass block in the bar counter looks stylish and elegant
An original solution for luxury apartments
Beautiful corals and algae will perfectly complement the kitchen design
Manufacturing materials
Various materials are used to make supporting structures for aquariums:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
How to make a table or shelf for an aquarium
Having decided to make a table for an aquarium with your own hands, you can use wooden pallets. It is not necessary to buy expensive materials; lumber, plywood, and chipboard are quite suitable. First, the frame is made; it must be stable and strong.
The shelf for the aquarium is easy to make.
Everything is simple here, you need to assemble two rectangular parts, placing one at the bottom, the second at the top. Four bars are used to connect them. Next, similar to assembling the cabinet, you need to secure the elements using wood screws. After drilling the holes, you need to tighten them with a screwdriver. The next step is to attach the countertop.
The tabletop for an aquarium can be made of different materials.
After installing it, you can begin creating the side walls and shelves. Which are made in the same way as the tabletop. You need to cut the required number of boards, sand them, and level them. Then the side areas are sheathed. Fixation is done using glue, self-tapping screws are also suitable.
Tips for choosing
The main selection criteria for most users are the size of the aquarium and the cabinet, as well as the combination of its design with the interior of the room. However, this is not enough for the stand to fully function. The following factors must also be taken into account:
- Moisture resistance. The material must be prepared for possible contact with moisture. Insulating coatings are required. During the manufacturing process of the cabinet, a special impregnation must be used.
- Resistance to deformation. The rigidity of surfaces is determined by the thickness of the parts and the properties of the material.
- Strength. The build quality must match the complexity of the task being performed.
- Presence of holes for cords. The wires and tubes necessary to connect the filters and compressor should be placed as secretly as possible. If the design provides special holes or channels for laying wires, the appearance of the kit will be much neater and more attractive.
- Internal organization. Food, spare filters, devices for catching and cleaning the aquarium, care products, and design elements need to be stored somewhere. If there are various compartments inside the cabinet that allow you not to dump all the accessories in one pile, using the product becomes much more convenient.
Advantages of a folding table-cabinet with drawers, criteria for choosing furniture
In addition to these criteria, one should not forget about the size, cost and other features of the cabinet. The optimal option must harmoniously combine the necessary qualities and provide all the requirements and functionality. It is very important that the furniture is safe, especially if children live in the house.
Moisture resistance
Resistance to deformation
Structural strength
Presence of holes for cords
Convenient internal structure
Place for a water miniature
So, having seen enough of the stunning photos of aquariums, we buy the best one and think about how to place it in order to get maximum pleasure from contemplating the underwater beauty. We approach things creatively. You can set up an aquarium in the living room, dining room, kitchen (just don’t accidentally eat the fish).
It's in the house. What about in the office? That's a good idea too. Today you can often see beautifully designed water structures in the foyers, halls of institutions, and executive offices. Such proximity helps to maintain calm and a peaceful disposition in any situation, conversations and negotiations are easy, deals are concluded quickly, peace and tranquility reign in the soul.
And also in a store, restaurant, cafe, shopping center, hotel, fashion salon - this will entertain visitors and save them from boring waiting. The fish do not rush about in disorder, but calmly pose for photos and go about their business: chewing food, joyfully diving into the jungle of algae and snags, signaling: everything is in order, you can live and enjoy life.
Rich assortment
Today, few people are interested in models that can be moved from place to place. Anyone who is seriously interested in the underwater world prefers to buy large tanks. Manufacturers please them and offer a wide range of different designs. It has corner models. They are ideal for small spaces. The L-shaped tank can fit on a bedside table in the hallway or on a table in the living room. If you need to perfectly fit an aquarium into the kitchen interior, a corner model is best suited. Choose a bowl with convex glass; the artificial pond will appear more voluminous. At the same time, it will not take up much space on the worktop.
Kitchen with a huge aquarium Source wpten.ru
Built-in models. They have a large weight load, so their base is always flat and wide. For such a tank, the location is determined in advance, even at the stage of planning the living space. It can only be placed on a solid brick base. Or on a plasterboard structure, the base of which is formed from a welded steel frame. The design of a living room with an aquarium is effective when its bowl is built into the interior wall. Its back part may be closed. But if you open it, you will be able to decorate two rooms at once with one artificial pond. When choosing this installation option, it is important to foresee in advance the location of the equipment and all necessary communications needed to service the water tank.
Partition models. Always made to order. Used for zoning space, creating a separate living space. This setup can work as one large night light. Its choice becomes justified when it is necessary to separate the living room from the bedroom or from the kitchen without constructing a permanent wall.
Beautiful partition between the living room and kitchen Source aqua-arxi.ru
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in garden furniture
Unusual aquariums
Designers' thoughts sometimes fly ahead of their imagination. Trying to surprise their customers, some of them come up with interiors in which you can see an aquarium built into the kitchen worktop or acting as a kitchen apron. There are products of round, square, and complex square shapes. Even a standard corner aquarium in the interior, in which complex lighting is built in or unusual decorative elements are inserted, looks more impressive and unusual.
An aquarium in the shape of a painting will definitely attract the attention of guests. It is very difficult to install, but the result is worth it. The living landscape behind the glass, which is constantly changing, evokes peace. Such decor can cause certain difficulties in care. But with the right approach, it’s not difficult to foresee everything.
Unusual painting on the wall Source more72.com
Furniture manufacturers are ready to offer finished products with built-in aquariums. Most often they play the role of facades. It is possible to replace the column supporting the upper vault of the hall with an aquarium. Water is poured into them using pipes hidden in the floor. Cleaning is done through a hatch hidden somewhere on the side.
Screen aquariums built into ceiling structures are available for sale. They can only be installed in large spacious rooms, where it is possible to assemble and secure a strong steel frame. Such a reservoir can simultaneously serve as a lighting device, which will constantly emit soft diffused light.
Aquarium in the form of a supporting column Source nemo.by
The meeting of two elements: fire and water
The imagination of designers knows no bounds. It would seem that there is enough space in the house to install an aquarium. But they suggested a fireplace. Why? It turns out that the combination of imitation fire on logs and the beautiful water world becomes extremely effective. Those who decide to combine an aquarium with a fireplace will have a lot of work ahead of them.
Chic aquarium around the fireplace in the living room
It will be easier to combine an aquarium with a fireplace if the latter is an imitation and not a real hearth
The process will turn out to be quite labor-intensive; you need to correlate the electrics of the fireplace and the aquarium so that they do not intersect, and try to ensure that in the event of a leak, a short circuit does not occur. But when all the issues are resolved and the two elements - fire and water - are on the same plane, the impression will be amazing. Now you can not only admire the dance of the flame, but also watch the movement of beautiful fish and vibrant flora.
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