Can a Filing cabinet support a tank?

[DaneGer21]

Could you “skin” that file cabinet on 3sides and the top with 3/4” plywood? Essentially making a “stand” over the cabinet. I would feel comfortable doing this^^.

Hope that makes sense

 

[WVNed]

Find a nice person to sit on it for you. If they squish it, it's their fault. If nothing happens you're good to go.
I have seen old file cabinets made out of heavy stuff that is probably bullet proof and newer ones made from recycled pop cans. It would probably depend on how it's made.

 

[Paleozoic_reefer]

If you're looking to just enjoy the view of a tank at work I would recommend just getting a camera and stream it on your desktop. I wanted to do the same thing as you but after thinking how I would do water changes/mix salt/do ATO topoff, what might happen to it during the weekend or holidays when I'm not there, and the cleaning crew possibly messing with it at night I decided it wasn't worth the effort! So now I have my tank camera steaming on my computer as I work. It's been a fantastic stress relief for me and a sense of security knowing everything is fine in the tank when I'm not home. It also has saved the tank numerous times as well when I'm out of town or in the office!!

 

[New&no clue]

I would put it on the desk.

Or go with the desk option.

If I put it on the desk could I still get the lights to fit?

the tank I’m looking at is 13” in the picture below the binders are a little over 13”, there is 10” of space up above, is that to short?

 

[New&no clue]

If you're looking to just enjoy the view of a tank at work I would recommend just getting a camera and stream it on your desktop.

that does not feed the addiction;Joyful

 

[DaneGer21]

If you're looking to just enjoy the view of a tank at work I would recommend just getting a camera and stream it on your desktop. I wanted to do the same thing as you but after thinking how I would do water changes/mix salt/do ATO topoff, what might happen to it during the weekend or holidays when I'm not there, and the cleaning crew possibly messing with it at night I decided it wasn't worth the effort! So now I have my tank camera steaming on my computer as I work. It's been a fantastic stress relief for me and a sense of security knowing everything is fine in the tank when I'm not home. It also has saved the tank numerous times as well when I'm out of town or in the office!!

This would definitely be the winner for me!

 

[bryanfuel]

Why not a smaller tank? Like a 8G cube or similar. Having 250+ lbs on something that high is going to be so top heavy.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

If I put it on the desk could I still get the lights to fit?

the tank I’m looking at is 13” in the picture below the binders are a little over 13”, there is 10” of space up above, is that to short?

That would be tight... I'm not sure. What about using the corner that is closest to your monitor but not under the cabinets?

 

[New&no clue]

Why not a smaller tank? Like a 8G cube or similar

I'd like two clowns and to rehome my fire fish from my tank. I think 8G would be tight with all that, that's why I was thinking at a min 20. Max 30G just for maintenance

 

[New&no clue]

What about using the corner that is closest to your monitor but not under the cabinets?

That might work, I could slide my monitors over

 

[bryanfuel]

That might work, I could slide my monitors over

If you get something longer, under the cabinets might be nice too for light mounting

 

[TheOne]

I have some current usa lights over my 40 breeder qt tank and they are the lowest profile lights I have ever seen. They are probably less than 2" above the tank and they have feet on each end that can be adjusted to the width of the tank. I would keep it as simple as possible.

 

[New&no clue]

I have some current usa lights over my 40 breeder qt tank and they are the lowest profile lights I have ever seen. They are probably less than 2" above the tank and they have feet on each end that can be adjusted to the width of the tank.

I have currents on my 75 at home. Mine are hanging with the T5, I forgot they have those nice brackets on them for placing on the tank. And I do like the control-ability of them

 

[vetteguy53081]

Ask yourself " Is it worth it"
Was designed for filing/files and no support from company should it collapse not to mention how quickly it will likely rust once salt residue hits it. Ive seen these crush and dent easily and would be Very nervous .

 

[New&no clue]

I switched out the metal one with a wooden one

 

[Mical]

Here I solved your problem. Tell your boss you're going to work from home - and set your tank up there! If you need something from filing cabinet, it'll be a nice break from your tank. Problem solved!

 

[SpringFever]

If it were me, safety and ease of maintenance would trump all other concerns. Therefore, having it high up ontop of a filing cabinet would be out. Could you imagine a 250lbs of water crashing down into your office or onto a coworker? Yikes...

I personally would go with the desktop, but I would test fill the tank with freshwater first to see how the desk behaves. Some desks are made of chincy particleboard. If it bows or groans in any way, I would throw in a support brace below the tank for good measure.

i used to be a cabinet maker, if that helps at all.

 

[WetPets]

I service an aquarium on a filing cabinet. It was the only spot in the office. They had a wood top made and coated it with countertop material. I think making a top is necessary to spread out the weight. It has been set up for over 5 years now. You do need to be good about wiping any water spilled to prevent rusting.

 

[New&no clue]

I think I’ve decided to just put it on the desk. After switching out the metal one for the wood one I realized I don’t have a plug near by. One of the guys I work with said he could add an outlet, but it seemed like maybe it was a sign

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I switched out the metal one with a wooden one

Great solution! Although the desk is still a great alternative.