dilema

[C&C]

I had my 130 gal on a rubber mat then on new carpet. I found that when I had a spill, when I wasn't home of course (15 Gal) it worked its way under the mat and wicked under my stand. My stand has a flat bottom so drying under it wasn't an option. When I finally did move the tank there was a little spotting on the carpet, I did spend a lot of time with a shop vac and fans trying to dry under it.

I wouldn't be too concerned about the spills while you are working on the tank, but rather the ones that happen when you aren't around!!

The end result is if there is anyway it can get wet IT WILL!

And even with the footprint of my stand covering the entire area of the tank the carpet still got flattened really badly (only 10 months) and its a burber carpet not a plush type.

I guess supporting the stand on some sort of legs would help, but it might totally wreck the carpet, (depending on the weight?

Just some thing to think about.

[nigel]

AS you see there is no guarantee.
What you can do is protect the carpet spill during regular maintenance. Avoid carrying and trying to pour water into aquarium. Water pump and hang on hose are better. Syphon water out directly to drain.

[AJ_77]

IF you have leftover carpet, make a nice mat in the shape of your stand, out about 10"/25cm or so all around. Then you have double carpeting around the tank - and yes, it will get wet no matter what.

OR you could shop around for a nice hex rubber mat with a lip on it, and put everything on that.

Best Option So Far: StirCrazy's basement den idea - that rocks. Then you get your own room, and a floor drain! Put in an high-volume exhaust fan, and you can sit in front of your tank with a nice cigar...

Mmmm...