Will My Tank Rot The Floor?

I recently got a 40 gallon fish tank that I plan to use to house an aquatic turtle. I would like to have it in my room, but there's nothing to put it on that would be able to support its weight, so I was just going to keep it on the floor. My plan was to put a waterproof pad under the tank and an old towel over that to prevent the floor from getting wet. However, my parents are not happy with this idea and are convinced that I'll get the floor wet and the wood will rot. I have another 20 gallon fish tank in another room that's on top of a sturdy wooden dresser with just a towel underneath it, and that one looks fine. Should I be worried that the tank will cause the floor to rot?

 

The problem with a waterproof pad the size of the tank is that somehow, sometime, water will get underneath...and then it will take forever to dry out. At least the finish and possibly the wood itself will be damaged.

You will be doing a lot of water changing, so don't kid yourself...the floor will get wet. Once the water touches the pad, it will be drawn under by wicking action. Guaranteed, no matter how careful you think you will be.

Why not get a couple pieces of wooden 2x4 or 4x4 cut the length of the tank and then place the tank on top with the front and rear edges supported by the wood. This will allow air to circulate and to dry out any spills and drips. Or better yet a couple of concrete building blocks can support the tank and will raise it higher off the floor. More height will help with water changes by making it easier to start and operate a siphon as well. Plus, it will be much easier to see and enjoy your turtle.

Ruining the floor in your room will ensure that your parents will quickly squash many of your future aquarium plans. I learned that lesson the hard way about 50 years ago, and am pretty sure that it still holds true today.

 

We actually already have the waterproof pads, they would stick out around the tank by about a foot. I'm thinking about the 2x4s though, but could that cause the bottom of the tank to break if all sides aren't supported?

 

One of the benefits of a proper stand is that it allows the area under the tank to dry out when it gets wet.

Once a towel stuck under a tank gets wet - it will stay wet for a long time. Once water gets under a rubber mat - it will stay a long time.

Better to come up with a short stand that allows some air under there for when there's a spill.

 

If the floor is flat and level and the wood pieces are straight and true, this works. Many years ago, in my first fish room, I had many tanks up to 50 gallons supported on a pair of steel beams supported by uprights. They didn't run lengthwise but rather across each tank, with the tanks placed end wise so that they were viewed from the narrow ends. Never a problem.

 

Concrete blocks stacked at each corner.

Cheap and effective.

Get 3 cans of black spray paint and lay down a couple of light coats before being them inside.

Having a tank on the floor will be a huge PITA.