40g on carpet

love2surf927 · Mar 10, 2015

Hey guys and gals. I'm about to set up my first reef tank (woohoo!!) but it's going to be on carpet in my living room. I am renting my place and would like to try and preserve the carpet as much as possible. I realize there are likely to be some mistakes and accidents and would like some input on the best materials to use to set my tank on. What I am mainly worried about is having a decent sized accident and have the carpet and pad under the stand unable to dry out. I have read about a product called Dri Dek (I believe) and looked like a possible option. My other idea was to use a large rubber mat but not sure about the look of that.

Anyway, any input is much appreciated, I'm so excited to get this thing going. Anybody out there that had their reef on carpet have any suggestions?? Thanks in advance...

cdangel0 · Mar 10, 2015

Get some pond liner, cut it a little larger than the bottom of the stand, and staple it on the inside of the stand to make a rubber "bucket". There's always a chance some water will escape through a seam if there's a leak, but it will be significant;y less, and more isolated that nothing at all. If you do it properly it will be a sealed rubber floor and water won't ever touch the carpet.

3dees · Mar 10, 2015

just wondering why you want It on the floor? you know some one had to ask.

love2surf927 · Mar 10, 2015

Why I want what on the floor? I had planned on lining the interior of the stand but wanted another layer of protection in the floor. Unless that isn't really necessary. I'm not really sure what I'm concerned with, I'm comfortable with the plumbing portion (I'm a plumbing contractor) but I'm just reluctant to place my stand directly on the floor. I know if any accidents do happen the pad and carpet under the stand are not going to dry out.

melypr1985 · Mar 10, 2015

I wouldn't worry too much about it. they are going to replace that carpet anyway and probably charge you for it when you move out. My apartments always did. If you do the rubber mat on the inside like suggested above, then that's a great idea. If you have a leak the rubber mat "bowl" cant handle, then it doesn't matter what you put under the tank, it's all going to get wet. Just my opinion and experience. Good luck!