Requirements for an aquarium cabinet, criteria for its selection

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:

1. The countertop and other elements must be resistant to moisture.
2. 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.
3. Reinforced back wall of furniture.
4. It is advisable to have a small side on the cabinet so that the tank does not slip off.
5. 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:

1. Square. These cabinets are quite narrow and tall.
2. Rectangular. This option is the most common. Such models are suitable for most aquariums in all respects.

Nuances of choosing a corner bedside table, types of designs
Somewhat less common are options intended for installation in a corner:

• 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

Design and decor

There is a place for aquarium fish in any interior. Watching pets calms you down and gives you an inner feeling of peace. But a simple glass structure looks bland, so owners like to decorate the interior space with various objects:

• decorative, natural soil;
• corals, driftwood as shelter;
• live plants;
• cleaned shells;
• natural and artificial stones.

The design depends on the style of the interior. Thus, in the conceptual style they install fairy-tale characters and castles, while in the maritime style they prefer natural habitats. The natural interior is also close to the natural environment. A Dutch-style aquarium is characterized by the presence of a large number of plants, green spaces and decor of natural origin. The aquarium tables, created in the Japanese style, look original; the interior decoration is similar to Asian gardens.

The decor is chosen carefully and purchased in specialized stores. Items must be sanitized and disinfected. The decoration also depends on the purpose of the room. In the office, preference is given to discreet and classic aquarium tables, in clubs – to bright and memorable decorative elements.

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.

How to make a TV stand with your own hands, instructions for beginners

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

Installation Rules

How to make a pencil holder with your own hands?

When deciding how to make a bedside table for an aquarium with your own hands, you need to make sure that the product is as stable as possible. Only after this can you safely place a container of water on it. During the placement process, the following nuances are taken into account:

• the floor in the location chosen for installation must be perfectly level; unevenness of the floor covering is compensated in two ways - either using a rubber mat or other lining, or by adjusting the height of the legs;
• The installation site should not be illuminated by direct sunlight - because of this, the water in the tank may “bloom”.

Immediately before installing the container, you should place a polystyrene foam pad on the countertop. It will compensate for unevenness on the surface of the cabinet and protect the glass from abrasive substances that accidentally fall under the bottom - sand or other small but solid particles.

To prevent the water in the aquarium from blooming, the place where it is installed should be away from direct sunlight

Possible unevenness on the floor is compensated by laying a rubber mat or adjusting the height of the legs

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

What is

Bedside table made of wood: varieties and making it yourself
A vessel with water, modified into a cabinet, coffee table, bar counter - this is an aquarium table. Can be made in the shape of a rectangle, square, circle or oval. The most reliable are simple rectangular models with wooden stops. This piece of furniture will become the highlight of the interior. The following types of fish can live inside the product:

• guppy;
• zebrafish;
• neons;
• telescope fish;
• goldfish.

You can diversify the life of unpretentious creatures with plants, structures, and decorations. An integral part of the aquarium table is the removable lid. After all, pets need to be fed and the product needs to be cleaned. A home pond is suitable for a classic, Mediterranean, oriental interior. An aesthetically pleasing design serves several purposes:

• live scenery;
• has a calming effect;
• transforms the interior;
• improves the microclimate.

Aquarium tables presented in stores are sold in different shapes and styles. Simple glass rectangular options are appropriate in minimalism, models with luminous neon stripes are suitable for a high-tech interior. There are also luxurious aquarium tables with gold patterns for Baroque and Rococo rooms.

The products have disadvantages:

• fish are shy, sudden movements disturb their peace;
• pets and their habitat require care;
• equipment is necessary for the normal functioning of fish.

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:

1. 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.
2. Resistance to deformation. The rigidity of surfaces is determined by the thickness of the parts and the properties of the material.
3. Strength. The build quality must match the complexity of the task being performed.
4. 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.
5. 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.

Subtleties of choosing and placing cabinets in the hallway of different sizes

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

How to do it?

To create a modern design with a mysterious effect, it is enough to install an aquarium table in the room, which you can buy ready-made or make yourself from scrap materials. If the latter option is chosen, then it is necessary to prepare not only building material, but also tools. In addition, the master needs to have a good knowledge of the internal structure of the aquarium.

To make a basic plastic pipe structure, you should have on hand an extension cord, a 76L aquarium, a mirrored countertop, lights, a thermometer, a light timer, 4 pipes, black foam, a shelving unit, and an internal filter.

The workflow itself will include several steps.

1. Decoration of the bottom of the rack. Since most racks are equipped with the ability to adjust the height using disassembled columns, it is advisable to purchase products with adjustable tubes from 36 to 46 cm in length.
2. Installation of the lamp. The passage of cables from fluorescent lamps should be provided in advance. And also additionally connect a light timer and an adapter.
3. Installation of a glass container (aquarium). It is placed inside the rack. To make it more convenient to feed the fish without removing the mirror cover, the size of the aquarium should be slightly less than the height of the shelf on the rack. Then they proceed to the top shelf, it is removed using wire cutters. The end result is a structure with front and side guards. 4 tubes are attached to them.
4. The finishing touch is the decor of the aquarium table. To do this, install a water heater inside the container (if the water temperature is required above room temperature) and a double filter. Wires from installations should be located under the racks. The thermometer is attached to the wall using a suction cup and glass beads are poured into an even layer on the bottom. At the very end, the lid of the aquarium is closed and a table top with a mirror surface is placed on top.
5. All that remains is to start populating the aquarium. To do this, flora and fauna are placed in it. If other accessories are required, they are also placed in the aquarium. The main thing is that the fish are comfortable.

To learn how to make an aquarium table with your own hands, see the following video.

Purpose

When purchasing a cabinet specifically for an aquarium, regardless of its volume, you should take into account that it will simultaneously perform several functions:

• serve as a support for a home mini-reservoir;
• serve as a repository for accessories necessary for maintenance (nets, compressor, containers with food and similar little things);
• used as an element of interior design, serving as part of a partition that forms several functional zones in a living space;
• be a decoration of the recreation area;
• perform specialized functions for persons professionally engaged in tropical fish breeding.

Kinds

Aquarium stands are divided into the following two main types:

• straight (stand under the wall);
• corner (placed in the corner of the room).

Ideally, if the stand follows the geometry of the aquarium and matches it in size, then the load is evenly distributed over the entire tabletop.

Varieties of stands are presented in a large number of photographs, some of them are given as examples, namely:

• small corner model on a metal stand;
• corner cabinet with great functionality;
• an aquarium extending beyond the stand area;
• the tabletop of the cabinet significantly exceeds the area of ​​the bottom of the aquarium itself;
• a hemispherical aquarium and a cabinet of the same configuration perfectly fills a non-standard niche;
• well-designed aquariums emphasize the style of the interior; in this case, the room design is made in an antique theme;
• the vertical sectional structure of the model is clearly visible on the stand;
• a design with fish decorates the interior in a classic style; simple and at the same time rich design of the wooden stand;
• an aquarium built into a furniture wall;
• an interesting solution for a stand in combination with other furniture;
• Mediterranean style interior, decorated with two aquariums;
• living corner for relaxation;
• a built-in aquarium is a good solution for a minimalist interior; kitchen furniture serves as a stand;
• a wall with a built-in structure is used in the form of a stand; the aquarium is a “living” picture;
• the zonal partition is an effective stand for the aquarium;
• narrow aquariums have more pressure on the stand; the cabinet under them must be especially strong;
• a round aquarium in the shape of a porthole is built into techno-style furniture.

Kinds

When choosing a stand for an aquarium, you should pay attention not only to the configuration of the product, but also to the material of manufacture. You should also not ignore the dimensions of the product.

The outcome of the purchase will depend on the wishes of the owner, but it is necessary to consider in more detail each of the mentioned parameters.

Modern cabinets have the following configurations:

• rectangular;
• square;
• corner;
• curly.

Rectangular cabinets are considered traditional, since most aquariums are manufactured in this configuration. This product is multifunctional and can be located in any area of ​​the room. A square cabinet will be suitable for a square or circle shaped tank. Installing an aquarium on this type of cabinet will be simple, and it will fit perfectly into the design of a small room. Such a stand will be well localized in a recreation area.

A corner cabinet requires its placement in the corner of the room. By purchasing such a product, the client significantly saves free space.

The use of a stand for a corner aquarium implies the presence of its rounded shapes that do not protrude beyond the boundaries of the cabinet. Figured models are created to order, according to the client’s individual parameters. The product drawing is made strictly proportional to the dimensions of the glass tank, the appearance is selected to suit the design of the room and the interior features.

A suitable solution for a small room would be corner bedside tables fitted into an unoccupied corner. They will not take up much space, only a triangular aquarium will have some placement features. When choosing a product, do not forget that the aquarium should not protrude beyond the boundaries of the cabinet or hang over it - this does not meet the standards for using a glass tank for fish.

Furniture project

First you need to make a drawing. It is necessary to take into account absolutely every detail. Next, you should follow all the steps of the step-by-step instructions:

Take measurements of your aquarium: length, width and height. They need to be written down on a separate sheet. Look around the house and think about where you would like to place the desired furniture. If this has already been done, then sit where you can clearly see the aquarium.

Now you need to calculate the exact height of the cabinet. Imagine the location that is most comfortable for your eyes and start measuring from that point. Don’t forget about furniture legs, take them into account (height ranges from 50 mm to 100 mm maximum). The tabletop should be slightly larger than or equal to the size of the bottom of the aquarium. This will give you complete confidence that nothing will fall. You only need to increase the width by a couple of millimeters. The depth should also be calculated according to the aquarium values

Make it a few millimeters larger - as if making the same container, but a little larger. Now you should turn your attention to the number of partitions inside the cabinet. You need them to additionally support the surface of the cabinet.

Sheet material made of wood (chipboard) should be adjusted to the size of the cabinet. Place them every thirty centimeters. Take sheets at least 16 mm thick. About 20mm is ideal. Doors and horizontal shelves can be made in any way. The back wall should be made exclusively of particle board and no thinner than 22 millimeters. Thus, the cabinet will be able to hold any weight. It must be installed between the side walls of the furniture to prevent structural damage. Make legs for each vertical partition.

How to do it?

Making a bedside table with your own hands is not only about minimal expenses. The construction of a homemade stand can solve a number of issues:

• giving individuality to the product;
• compliance with its interior decoration;
• rigorous calculation of strength;
• quality.

Create a project

The basic basis of any work when creating furniture is the development of a drawing. The design of the future stand is based on the dimensions of the aquarium you have. It is necessary to make a design in which the lid will correspond to the parameters of the glass tank or slightly overlap them. The extension of the cabinet should be small; you should not leave extra centimeters on the sides. The main purpose of the cabinet is to hold the weight of the aquarium, meaning the total weight of the tank itself, the liquid in it and auxiliary components. Therefore, when creating a project, you need to take this value into account and make a drawing that will allow you to solve this problem.

The height of the product also plays an important role

Here you need to take into account the position in which a person will look at the fish - standing or sitting. If it is assumed that this is a recreation room where people mostly sit, then the height of the bedside table together with the legs should be no higher than 70 centimeters

Placing an aquarium in the bedroom makes it possible to reduce the height. The drawing must take into account the subsequent practicality of using the cabinet. It should include shelves not only for specialized aquarium elements, but also for magazines, books or decorative items.

Selecting materials

When choosing materials, we should not forget that the mission of the bedside table itself involves contact of its surface with liquid. For this reason, only moisture-proof materials should be used. In this situation, laminated chipboard or MDF boards are perfect. It is advisable not to use wood, since it is not easy to make it moisture-proof, and the solid wood will at the same time increase the mass of the already bulky structure.

When planning the required amount of material, you need to take into account that, in comparison with bedside tables or chests of drawers, an aquarium stand needs a strong back wall. Actually, the main share of the load will fall on it. The thickness of chipboard or MDF for the back wall must be at least 22 millimeters.

It is advisable to make the frame of the bedside table metal. If this is not possible, and the frame of the structure will be made of wooden beams, then strong and wide components should be selected. It is better to design the partitions inside the stand at intervals of every 40 cm. This structure makes it possible to avoid sagging of the cabinet lid. The top panel is made of high strength material. In the process of fixing it, it is necessary to check the level along the contour of the entire plane. The lid of the cabinet must be perfectly level. The thicker the material for the top panel, the more reliable it is.

The legs for the bedside table are selected for strength. It is necessary to place emphasis on metal legs with a wide surface or reliable wooden supports. As for the decorative design, such as doors on the cabinet or handles on the drawers, in this matter everything depends on the skills of the master and the desired end result. You can visually lighten the construction by means of carvings on the external facade, and for a cabinet with a metal frame, use glass to decorate the doors.

Assembly

The next stage of creating an aquarium product is to assemble the resulting elements, which are components of the structure. This process is considered quite specific, so it is recommended to use the help of a second person, since certain heavy objects will need to be kept suspended for a long time, and it is impossible to perform these actions alone.

The entire assembly process consists of implementing sequential actions:

• special grooves and ridges are prepared for the rear wall, for which they are cut with a saw or electric jigsaw;
• the same elements for fastening are made in the bottom of the future bedside table, in its sides and lid;
• two parts of the upper corner of the rear part of the product are glued together, and the resulting workpiece will be mounted behind a special module designed to create high-quality lighting;
• the planks are tightened with clamps, after which you need to wait until they are completely dry;
• special plinth bars are screwed to the bottom of the cabinet, and to form them it is recommended to use high-quality and properly dried wooden blocks, the thickness of which will be more than 40 mm, since it is on them that the entire cabinet with a heavy aquarium will rest;
• plates are screwed to the inner sides of the side walls to secure the middle cover;
• the front edges of each part must be installed so that they are level with the edge of the middle cover and bottom of the product;
• then take the internal central partition, which is glued to the middle lid and bottom;
• the back wall is inserted into the corresponding groove in the bottom;
• one side wall is attached to the bottom, after which it is fixed to the middle lid, for which dowels and high-quality glue are used;
• the back wall is connected to the side using the existing grooves and tenons;
• a corner is attached to the top of the sidewall, for which dowels set with glue are also used;
• it is on this corner that the upper part of the product will rest;
• the second side of the bedside table is attached in the same way;
• the following steps involve assembling the upper frame of the structure;
• interesting lighting is installed in it;
• the resulting box is fixed to the bedside table, and for this it is recommended to use piano hinges, since they make it possible in the future to simply fold back this box if necessary.

Thus, building a special bedside table designed for an aquarium is quite simple, and this process does not take much time if you approach it really responsibly. It is allowed to use other materials during work, and the procedure will be similar, but the methods of preparing different parts will differ.

How to choose?

When choosing an aquarium, you should have an idea of ​​its volume; this will determine the model of the stand.

Material

It is worth paying attention to the following tips:

• The most budget-friendly and simple material is chipboard, but it is not suitable for large aquariums, its strength level is lower than that of wood and its moisture resistance is not up to par;
• an order of magnitude higher are stands made of MDF; embossing and other decorative elements can be made on them, but this material is also not suitable for panoramic models;
• massive aquariums can be installed on a wooden stand; such cabinets are often made by hand, coated with protective varnishes, they look rich and presentable, and are quite expensive;
• metal stands can have any tabletop, which is especially reliable; they are designed for large models, more than 100 liters.

Form

When choosing the shape of a structure, everyone is guided by their own taste. But sometimes the geometry of the room dictates the conditions of choice. It happens that an aquarium needs to be placed in a small niche; models of appropriate sizes are selected. Or you need to beautifully organize a living corner, then triangular structures are suitable.

In addition to the material and shape, when choosing a cabinet you should take into account the interior style, the color of the furniture in the room, and the structure of the material

You need to pay attention to the functional component, whether there are enough shelves and how convenient they are arranged. It is better to choose a model with doors, this will help hide the unsightly appearance of fish care items

To learn how to make a stand for an aquarium, see below.

Design

The lion's share of aquarium stands are made from MDF board, which is not so susceptible to moisture. Due to the abundance of textured and color finishes, the aquarist will always be able to choose a product that fits particularly elegantly into the existing interior style:

• samples painted in beige and white colors can be placed in the bedroom or kitchen;
• products lined with a “wood look” (for example, light or dark Shimo ash) will fit perfectly into any living room design;
• Always a fashionable classic - bedside tables painted in plain, dark undertones will create a more comfortable environment in the interior of the study;
• multi-colored cabinets, painted in intense colors, will decorate the nursery.