Desk protection for 5.5 gallon

I have a 5.5 gallon tank that will be going on my wood desk in college. I was curious if anyone had any suggestions for anything that would protect the desk from any splashes/water damage. I know about plastic placemats, just curious about any other creative suggestions. Thanks

 

I just use towels. I'm sure others have more fancy stuff

 

I have a 5.5 gallon tank that will be going on my wood desk in college. I was curious if anyone had any suggestions for anything that would protect the desk from any splashes/water damage. I know about plastic placemats, just curious about any other creative suggestions. Thanks

I hadn't even thought about this! Maybe one of those plastic serving tray things?

 

Pretty placemat comes to mind.

 

You could place the tank in a tray so any water that escapes can't leak on the desk

 

Thanks I didn't think of towels. The only real issue is the dimensions of the tank (17x9). I would have to get multiple placements. I almost got a serving tray just didn't know the dimensions. The current plan is go get some metal pan thing. I just wanted to see what my other options were. One of my concerns is the frictional coefficient (sorrry I'm an engineering student) between the tank and plastic mats (aka tank sidingsaround).

 

We got my son a silicone placemat at the baby store that even had raised edges to catch messes. Never used it since he always wanted to pick it up but it might come in handy for protection under a tank with no sliding. Not sure of dimensions though.

 

I use one of those mats that go under a dish drying rack:

 

I also have a 5 gallon QT tank and have a dish drying mat underneath it - its made from silicone that has ridges in case of water spillage. I got them from Costco years ago - it came as a 2 pack.
Looks like this

 

I actually have a crocheted mat underneath my 10G don't know how effective it is though

 

Thanks didn't think of dish drying mat. I'm about to go get whatever I get for this and I'll update you guys on it. Thanks

 

Will end up using a dish drying mat and put some plastic underneath the mat.

 

You can also use a yoga mat... You can cut to size and will protect under from water.... Also helps with leveling aquarium

 

Didn't think of that. Right now I have a plastic bag under a dish drying mat. Working pretty well. Might look into yoga mat, however that would mean draining the tank and moving it.

 

I've used plastic felt backed picnic table cloths. It can be easily cut to size.
The drying mat is a really good idea especially if it has raised edges.

 

Excuse the mess however I figured it might be nice to show you guys. I looked for a thing with a lip (raised edges) however there wasn't anything that would fit a 5.5