My dresser currently has a 5g on it, but I really wanna get a 10 and make a sorority... maybe even a 15-20 if it can support it. Think it will hold up? it's extremely sturdy.
If it's made of solid wood then probably. If it's made of particle board that's made to look like wood then probably not.
Keep in mind that your dresser will need to hold about 110bs safely, without bending/bowing. I would definitely not try anything more than that. A 20g can weight over 220lbs.
It's rock solid wood. I've had before I was even born. It's never broken or anything either. The wood is pretty think also, don't think it would bend unless you put a car on it... or maybe 220lbs... xD The back board is also wood, not cardboard or something cheap like that.
Sounds like it definately might be able to hold it
I typically go by the rule of thumb that a full tank will weigh 10-12lbs per gallon once you add substrate, decorations, and the water, so a 10 gallon could be 100-120lbs while a 15 gallon would possible be 150-180lbs.
When you remove the tank, try standing on it. If you feel any "soft" or hear creaking, you'll know if there's a problem. I'm not saying you're that much over 100 lbs! And be careful- maybe you should just kneel on it and rock around a bit.
Good idea. Also, what would be the best way to move the 5g on it? I'm still going to keep the betta in it, just not sure where to move it yet. I don't wanna take all the water out and have to redo the cycle again...
I found a great kit at petco for $51 that included a hood, filter, AND heater. It was 10g. I think I'll just go with that
Petsmart is also having a sale on bettas where all the females are $0.99!
You won't have to cycle again! Just remove enough water so that you can lift it, then add fresh, treated water back. As long as you have the same filter & decor, (and they don't dry out) it will be fine.
Water weighs a little over 8 lbs per gallon, so your 10 gal weighs at least 80 lbs (the gravel & decor probably weigh less per area), so 1/2 way filled, it would be 40, 1/4 filled, 20... it would help to have someone help you lift it so it doesn't splash over the edges. Maybe put the fish in some cups 1st.
Can you tell I've moved a few aquariums??? And tripped over the filter/heater wires? And gone flying, tank in hand, directly into a basket of clean laundry???? I WAS smart enough to cup the fish when trying this alone. ;0)
It says it supports up to 80lbs... Think it would work? o: I'd say my 5g weigh somewhere around 60 with the gravel, decorations, and the filter/heater.
Is there a flea market/Salvation army/used furniture store near you? Take a road trip the evening of trash collecting in your area, too. Often, end tables that were once with a matched LR set wind up dumped. Right now, I'm typing w/ my computer on a hardwood end table that I dumpster-dove & got it free!!!
I also got my sewing machine table free (stopped by a collections dumpster), all my folding chairs, 2 folding tables, all dumpster or "roadside decor"!!!
Also, if you're near an Ikea, they sell these little, low, square coffee tables that are sturdy enough for $10. I have my 10 gallon on one :0)
Also, I'd shop around for a 29 gallon. They don't really take up that much more of a footprint, but you can have more fish. I found mine for $85 from Petco. It had been part of a Cristmas sale that ended, but no one bought it, so the manager discounted it for me (no one was going to buy it at the regular price after the holidays!))
Check Craig's list, too. Or one of the serious fish dept workers @ one of the PetCo/Smart stores may have a tank to sell you privately.
Yes! It's the "Lack"! Wow, how inspiring is that name! Doesn't Ikea have a translator?
Granted, it's Ikea, but it can hold a 5 gal. My 10 gal's edges match up w/ the edges of the table, so it has extra support.
If you're worried, Home Depot will cut you a piece of 4X4 lumber to stick under it.
(I swear Ikea has a piece of furniture called "Malm"- again, translate much?!)
Definitely going to be cheaper to buy a starter kit because buying everything separate in the end will end up costing you more than just the kit.
If you want to do live plants check out the planted tank part of the forum for the answers to all of your questions. Plus members in that section will be more knowledgeable
if I got 2 of those tables, and put them right next to each other, do you think it would hold a 20g? The middle would have extra support from 4legs right there, lol.
I ask because I remembered the plugs closest to ym dresser are BEHIND the dresser, and I wouldn't be able to move it plug in/unplug things during water changes...
If you can find a piece of wood to span the 2 tables, it would be a good reinforcement. Again, Home Depot will cut someting for you, but they have a "project board" section of pre-cut plywood. Then, get a pretty tableclothe to cover the whole thing (you can stash all your aquarium supplies underneath).
I do think that dresser would be a perfect stand for a 20 gal.
Full disclosure: I have my 29-gallon on a ancient butcher-block table that my parents had. It must be 100+ years old. (I have it covered with a table cloth) My 10 gallon spawn tank is on a 1920's Queen Anne sideboard. My 10-gal divided male tank is on an Ikea table.
Can you tell I'm a divorcee? I used to use the buffet table & butcher block for what they were meant for! My ex would have flipped if I got fish- they wouldn't have fit into his concept of the upper-crust lifesyle he wanted. (He remarried a woman with $$ the minute the ink on the divorce papers was dry!) I love my fish. They have more personality than ex.
I got the table yesterday! GREAT DEAL. It's very sturdy and hols up well. I moved the tank onto it.. I'll post pics later when I'm not in a hurry D:
They also had a 2pack of strip plugs for $6.99. Now I have enough plugs for the new sorority! Will buy some sort of 20g kit on Friday.. not sure which to get yet .-. lol
My 29-gal came w/a kit, then I wound up buying a larger filter, adjustable heater, and another hood! I wanted a filter that was more powerful (up to 50 gal) and one that was adjustable. I just wasn't happy with what it came with, but that's just me.
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