Is this a bad idea?

[kiteski14]

First tank and ordered this stand and just set it up. I’m already regretting not putting a waterproof rug under the stand to protect the hardwood. For those that have been in this hobby for awhile, how much water typically ends up on the ground. Should I empty the tank and order a rug to put under it before I ruin the hardwood? Thanks

 

[Colin_S]

i would. water changes, cleaning etc, you'll spill water

 

[albano]

Absolutely... no matter how careful you are...water WILL spill!... keep towels nearby.

 

[Quietman]

I spill water...not a lot but usually an ounce or two, once or twice a half gallon (stupid clamps slipping off on water changes). I have those really cheap wood floors, the kind with the picture of wood on top. Yeah...I know, i want to upgrade this year.

Anyhow...as long as I wipe up the water when done, I haven't noticed any damage.

My dog when she was a puppy would pee and we wouldn't find it for hours. That damage is still there after years. My tank after a year and me being diligent....nothing. When I upgrade to better floors - I don't plan on taking any extra steps to protect.

 

[Peace River]

i would. water changes, cleaning etc, you'll spill water

+1

You may also want to look at a leak detector that automatically turns off all of the pumps.

 

[kiteski14]

Darn should have done it before filling the tank back up. Any recommendations on what to put under?

 

[Quietman]

Looking at picture again...you may want to run a bead of silicone or (get a rubber gasket and stuff it around the bottom). It'll come off easily when you want and stop water from wicking under the stand.

 

[Big C]

I spill water...not a lot but usually an ounce or two, once or twice a half gallon (stupid clamps slipping off on water changes). I have those really cheap wood floors, the kind with the picture of wood on top. Yeah...I know, i want to upgrade this year.

Anyhow...as long as I wipe up the water when done, I haven't noticed any damage.

My dog when she was a puppy would pee and we wouldn't find it for hours. That damage is still there after years. My tank after a year and me being diligent....nothing. When I upgrade to better floors - I don't plan on taking any extra steps to protect.

Same here, spilled my fair share on the wood floors and if you catch it quickly I haven’t seen any negative affects after 3 years. I do put down the “old” towels prior to any maintenance work.

 

[azbigjohn]

A rug will just hold the water against the wood, where you can use towels, etc... to clean up any spills immediately.

 

[Quietman]

Same here, spilled my fair share on the wood floors and if you catch it quickly I haven’t seen any negative affects after 3 years. I do put down the “old” towels prior to any maintenance work.

Oh yeah....the Big Tub 'O Towels! A requirement. Every time I try to do a fast - WC only without cleaning tank - and opt to go 'naked'. I may not spill water but I always feel like I'm living on the edge.

 

[kiteski14]

Looking at picture again...you may want to run a bead of silicone or (get a rubber gasket and stuff it around the bottom). It'll come off easily when you want and stop water from wicking under the stand.

You have a really good point here, if the water gets under the stand I'm in trouble. Is silicone fine to use on hardwood floors? I would think it is not. Have you ever used the rubber gasket, any chance you have a link to something you think would work?

Thanks all

 

[Ashish Patel]

I just moveed my tank from an apartment with solid hardwood after almost 3 years. I was happy to report no issues with the wood floor. I always covered the floors well when I did any work on the tank and used towels to clean up spills. Aslong as you keep the floor dry you will be fine. I did design the system to never have to use a water bucket so this probably helped.

 

[Quietman]

I just moveed my tank from an apartment with solid hardwood after almost 3 years. I was happy to report no issues with the wood floor. I always covered the floors well when I did any work on the tank and used towels to clean up spills. Aslong as you keep the floor dry you will be fine. I did design the system to never have to use a water bucket so this probably helped.

No water bucket...man, that doesn't count.

 

[Quietman]

You have a really good point here, if the water gets under the stand I'm in trouble. Is silicone fine to use on hardwood floors? I would think it is not. Have you ever used the rubber gasket, any chance you have a link to something you think would work?

Thanks all

I have not. I would try a test area (where my wife or landlord - same in my case) would never see it. You also could go to your local hardware store, not Lowe's - they're good, but I'm talking about walking up to the guy that's been working there since the Korean War ended and knows everything about how to solve anything.

 

[LARedstickreefer]

I just get some towels and place them around my tank for when I’m doing a water change or just sticking my hands in there.

 

[Quietman]

I should also say...if it was me. I'd buy the silicone and/or rubber and then it would sit in my garage for years. I would pick it up every now and then looking for something else and think - I really need to put this on. 10 years later, I'll move the tank and it'll be fine...probably. I am very good about the Big Tub 'O Towels.

One last thing before I go fix myself a cocktail to watch my fish eating...I put my stand up on wheels...I have never, never seen water under the stand. It's always out in the surrounding area...surprisingly far actually, but never under.

Good luck

 

[CuzzA]

True hardwood floor should be fine. If it is laminate wood flooring then you may have issues should you have a spill. There is a difference.

 

[kiteski14]

I'm thinking that maybe if I commit to putting down towels all around it everytime I work on it, I may be fine. Do many other people use that route?

 

[Eggs]

I'm thinking that maybe if I commit to putting down towels all around it everytime I work on it, I may be fine. Do many other people use that route?

That’s what I do with my tank on hardwood floor, just wipe up everywhere when you’re finished.

 

[Eggs]

Double post.