Is this a bad idea?

[Kalinina]

This is just an idea I noted from previous tank research - an SUV trunk cargo liner with a rim/lip. If the stand sat level in the middle, the water would be caught within the liner. Unless you had a major leak/accident, but then you could do the damage control and get it cleaned up.

 

[hllb]

Agree - just set down towels when you work. We have solid hardwood and I’m not worried. In our old house I had a 120g on laminate which is more susceptible to water. No issues there even when the hose popped off and flooded...twice.

 

[S.Pepper]

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?

You'll be fine doing that, unless you are spilling gallons of water.

 

[Triggreef]

If you spill a good amount you could definitely have some wicking going on underneath. My 200g has been in the same spot for about 7 years. A few years back I overflowed it and put gallons on the floor before I realized what was happening. I'm sure some had to wick under the stand, and I'm sure there will be damage some day when I remove it. But the only way that will happen is if I have a bigger one to put in it's place. At which time I will place some cheap linoleum down under the stand and silicon around it.

If you use silicon, use 100 percent silicon and it should come right up in the end.

 

[Cory]

No i would not becaise it wont breath and dry. Id raise it up a bit so there is air flow. Shim the sides with wood or some similar idea.