Hardwood Floors

[holly]

My 110-gallon display tank and stand sit on my living room oak hardwood floor. No leaks, but moisture is getting into the wood causing some bowing and cupping. I'm going to need to break down the tank, move it, get the floors redone, then move it back. I'm thrilled. Not.

Here's the thing: I don't want to do this and then have the same thing happen. The floor guy suggested either some type of "pan" similar to what goes under a clothes washing machine or a layer of cork flooring on top of the hardwoods and extending about 6 inches out from under the stand.

I can't be the first person who has had this problem. What all do you put under your tanks to protect your hardwoods?

 

[zwulfke]

My buddy used a rubber mat under his tank

 

[Rob.D]

Are you sure the damage is coming from just moisture? Another option is to install a "shower pan liner" inside the stand, under the sump.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_20088-138-41630L___?productId=4755182&pl=1&Ntt=shower+pan+liner

 

[holly]

Thanks for the reply. I hadn't thought of that. That definitely seems like an easy precautionary step to take when I set the tank back up. One of my problems though is that there is moisture around the outside of the stand as well as some salt creep. The moisture is not from spilled water, but rather humidity (I think). I don't know how to protect the hardwoods from this. I'm surprised others haven't had this problem.

 

[chefjpaul]

My next build Im going to make a tile platform for the tank to sit on, with an inch or so overlap around the perimeter.

Having same issues currently.

 

[Breakthecycle2]

I would just wait until you move, move the tank to a different spot or just leave it. It will happen again.

 

[d2mini]

How long has your tank been set up?
My engineered hardwoods don't bow. Stand sits directly on the floor. My floor is on top of a concrete slab.
Maybe you need a dehumidifier?

 

[holly]

It's been there about 8 months. The floors do need to be refinished anyway. That may be part of the problem--there is no coating to make them water (or salt) resistant. No concrete slab; it's on the second floor of the house. I do have a fan on the tank, but maybe a fan lower/in the cabinet? I'm not sure if that would help the salt creep though.

 

[Steveowhits]

I would look at using a base layer under the stand. I use a waterproof garage type snap together flooring under my system. It overhangs a foot in every direction except the back. I also installed a Window AC unit in the room to cut down some humidity. I live in NC which has very humid summers. The AC unit is ugly, and not great on power, but it keeps the tank room air more dry and the tank temp more constant. I had thought about plugging the ac unit into a humidity controller like this: http://www.sustainablesupply.com/Da.../w264135.htm?gclid=CJmcv53-y8YCFYI7gQodmPIPcA Even something like a basic exhaust fan with a controller may help. Good luck

 

[holly]

I didn't even know something like that existed! Thanks for the feedback. It is very helpful.

 

[Waters]

I just installed porcelain tiles underneath the tank using transition pieces going from the tile to hardwood (or carpet). Looks professional and is completely waterproof.

 

[Paul87]

I am a flooring installer and I also have hardwood under my aquarium. If the humidity I is that high then a dehumidifier is what I would into. I would also check to see where the salt creep is starting from. It could be a tiny leak in the silicone of the tank. I have a decent amount of humidity in my fish room and never(and shouldn't) had problems with it affecting the floor. My stand sites directly on the hardwood, but its on those felt moving pads, so it can be moved and air can actually get under the stand. If its humidity then the moisture would form under the pan that you would put under the stand as well as other places in the room. Best of luck!

 

[Cherylpozz]

Would it not be better to tile under the tank not put flooring under the tank then add a plinth around the bottom of the tank to hide the tiles?

 

[Diesel]

Ventilation my friend it's all what is needed when you be in this hobby.
I'm a builder and even with no fish tank but no ventilation you messing up wood floors.
Of course here in south TX we run the AC almost 18 hours out the 24 and that will draw the moisture out.
But if I don't do additional ventilation due by a fan in the stand or dehumidifier I will have moisture problems too.
Of course you need to fix any leaks in your plumbing to get rid of your salt creep or reduce the splashing in your sump.
They have a Tile that looks like hardwood that you can install under the tank.
Any pics will be helpful to us to see what kind of problem you have on your hand.
Btw, I have my tank on a wood floor for 5 years now.

 

[Paul87]

Yea, we have insane humidity here in Tennessee. Pics would be helpful.

 

[holly]

Here is what the back of my tank. I think you might be right about the salt creep coming from a loose fitting. I have salt creep in the sump too. I will check it out. I think the dehumidifier idea is a good one too. Do you know if there are any dehumidifiers that are made for sumps specifically? Or would you suggest just using a standard dehumidifier?

 

[Diesel]

A standard 70 pint is fine but before you spend money on a dehumidifier I would address first where you got a leak.
Wipe the entire tank and wall clean and see where the water is leaking.
Looking at the damage it wouldn't be hard to see.

 

[Trex]

My 210 is on my bamboo floors, and haven't noticed any issues in the 8 months it has been up and running (( main floor, with a garage under it )).

However, I do use a room di-humidifier, which is running more with the warmer/humid weather.
In addition, I put a pond liner down on the inside of my stand, to catch any spills (( it goes up the sides about 4 inches.
Lastly, I put some of the extra liner against the wall behind the tank to catch any spills;
Before the tank was pushed back,