Aquarium developers at the same time offer a special cabinet for a specific model, designed for a certain amount of water. If for some reason the aquarium was purchased separately, you will have to choose a stand yourself. An ordinary piece of furniture is not suitable in this case, as it is not able to withstand constant pressure on its surface. Curbstones for the aquarium are arranged in a special way, they are made from durable materials and further strengthened.
Design Features
If the capacity holds up to 30 liters of water, you can do with a regular cabinet or chest of drawers.
For larger models, you will need special furniture that can withstand constant high pressure on the countertop.
A cupboard for an aquarium consists of several elements.
Frame
The stand for a container exceeding 100 l must be reinforced with a metal frame, elegant forging does not fit here.
Back wall
Particular attention should be paid to it, since it takes the main load.
For greater strength, it is better to clamp the panel with side walls, which will give additional rigidity.
The thickness of the back and side walls should be not less than 2.5 cm
Shelves
The interior of the cabinet is different from conventional furniture models, which can contain large spaces on horizontal shelves. The design under the aquarium is endowed with vertical partitions with a step of 30-50 cm. They form narrow sections and give the cabinet an extra stiffness.
Countertop
To safely hold a large volume of water, its thickness cannot be less than three centimeters.
As a coating material, wood protected by a water-repellent layer is often chosen.
Chipboards will be less successful. They should be laminated or other means of protection against contact with moisture should be used. At the same time, the surface should not be smooth and slippery. Besides, recommend choosing models with a small side along the edge of the countertop, it will protect the aquarium from slipping.
Legs
If the floor is perfectly flat, the stand can be set up without legs. In other cases, you will need strong metal screw legs, with which you can adjust the height and align the distortions of the floor. The slightest bumps can lead to a crack in the glass, which will sooner or later burst under the pressure of water.
Height
The cabinet should not be too high, a maximum of 90 cm. With increasing height, there is a risk of unsteadiness of the structure.
Many people think that contemplating swimming fish relieves stress and relaxes well.
Therefore, the aquarium must be installed at eye level of a seated person. Using a simple experiment, find out the height of the cabinet for a specific room environment.
Using the stand
Due to the narrow vertical sections, the cabinet is not very convenient for domestic use, but it well contains all the accessories for maintaining an aquarium: air supply system, filters. The remaining sections can be independently equipped with small shelves under the little things and hide food or bottles with medications for fish in them.
Kinds
Aquarium stands are divided into two main types:
- straight (get under the wall);
- Corner (drawn up in the corner of the room).
In shape, they can be classic rectangular, as well as square, round and in the form of a hemisphere.
Ideally, if the stand repeats the geometry of the aquarium and matches its size, then the load is evenly distributed throughout the countertop.
Varieties of coasters are represented by a large number of photographs, some of which we give as examples, namely:
- small angular model on a metal stand;
- corner stand with great functionality;
- an aquarium that extends beyond the stand field;
- the table top of the cabinet significantly exceeds the bottom area of the aquarium itself;
- a hemisphere aquarium and a pedestal of the same configuration perfectly fill a non-standard niche;
- well-designed aquariums emphasize the stylistic decision of the interior, in this case the design of the room is made in an antique theme;
- the vertical sectional device of the model is clearly visible on the pedestal;
- a design with fish decorates the interior in a classic style; simple and at the same time rich design of a wooden support;
- an aquarium built into the furniture wall;
- An interesting solution to the stand in combination with other furniture;
- Mediterranean style interior, decorated with two aquariums;
- living area for relaxation;
- built-in aquarium - a good solution for a minimalist interior, kitchen furniture acts as a stand;
- in the form of a stand, a wall with a structure built into it is used; an aquarium is a "living" picture;
- zonal partition is a spectacular stand for the aquarium;
- narrow aquariums have more pressure on the stand, the cabinet under them should have special strength;
- a round aquarium in the shape of a porthole is built into the techno-style furniture.
How to choose?
When choosing an aquarium, you should have an idea of its volume, this will hang the model of the stand.
Too large products are reinforced with a metal frame, built into massive furniture or a wall.
Small aquariums are perfectly installed on forged stands without shelves and stands, they do not load space and fit well into the interior. For small rooms, a good solution would be to purchase a corner construction. Choosing a stand, pay attention to different criteria.
Material
It is worth paying attention to the following tips:
- the most budgetary and simplest material is Chipboard but it is not suitable for large aquariums; its degree of strength is lower than wood and its moisture resistance is not up to par;
- much higher - coasters from MDF, they can be stamped and other decorative elements, but this material is also not suitable for panoramic models;
- on the stand from wood You can install massive aquariums; such cabinets are often made by hand, covered with protective varnishes, they look rich and presentable, they are quite expensive;
- coasters from metal can have any countertop that is particularly reliable, they are designed for large models, more than 100 liters.
The form
Choosing the form of construction, each is guided by its own taste. But sometimes the geometry of the room dictates the conditions of choice. It happens that the aquarium needs to be placed in a small niche, models of appropriate sizes are selected. Or you need to beautifully organize a living area, then triangular designs will do.
For zoning the room you need thin and long models with the same elongated stands.
In addition to the material and form, when choosing a cabinet, you should take into account the style of the interior, the color of the furniture in the room, the structure of the material. It is necessary 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 items for caring for fish.
See below for how to make a stand for an aquarium.
