Is the IKEA kallax safe to hold a 34l tank?

[geotom]

Setting up my new tank, a colleague suggested the kallax 2x2 are stronger that what Ikea says they are (25kg max they say). I was wondering if anyone has used a kallax before as a table for their aquarium or has any thoughts they would like to share about using them? (linked below for picture / details)

KALLAX cube storage unit, black-brown, 77x77 cm - IKEA

The KALLAX storage series adapts to taste. This cube storage unit has a vibrant design with spaces that you can personalise with inserts and boxes.

www.ikea.com

 

[Bradders]

Setting up my new tank, a colleague suggested the kallax 2x2 are stronger that what Ikea says they are (25kg max they say). I was wondering if anyone has used a kallax before as a table for their aquarium or has any thoughts they would like to share about using them? (linked below for picture / details)

KALLAX cube storage unit, black-brown, 77x77 cm - IKEA

The KALLAX storage series adapts to taste. This cube storage unit has a vibrant design with spaces that you can personalise with inserts and boxes.

www.ikea.com

In short, no.

1. Individual shelves: Each shelf can safely hold up to 13 kg, so you can distribute the 35 kg load across multiple shelves without exceeding the per-shelf limit.
2. Top surface: The top of the unit can support up to 25 kg when properly anchored to the wall. If you plan to place the entire 35 kg on top, it would slightly exceed this limit, so it's not recommended.

 

[Guest]

I have used one, had a 60p on it. I put a board on top (cut to size).

I just went and sat on another one (for science) and all Ok.

 

[geotom]

I have used one, had a 60p on it. I put a board on top (cut to size).

I just went and sat on another one (for science) and all Ok.

Yeah, this is what I was told also, she keeps a 65l on it with no problem at all. A couple of google searches found others have done similar. Managed risk I guess.

 

[Miniandy]

I think that's the point, it's a risk and yours to take.

I hope it goes well and I like the scientific test, I may have done similar in the past 😄

 

[Maf 2500]

With these types of furniture the final strength depends on how well you put it together, how level your floor is, how evenly the load is spread and probably a few other factors. Consequently the manufacturer rates the weight limit very much on the conservative side to account for idiots. 35kg is so near the recommended limit I wouldn't even worry about it.

A couple of coats of a suitable waterproof finish would be a good idea if you think it might get splashed with water from time to time.

 

[Aqua sobriquet]

One of the things that bothers me about furniture without a back is the risk of wracking. Even a relatively thin piece of plywood on the back would prevent this. Failing that a couple of braces of some sort.

 

[Little]

I use one. I installed some brackets to give it some extra strength.

 

[Maf 2500]

Yes, a plywood backing or some braces or brackets would increase the rigidity and strength. For the OP with only 35kg or so probably not needed but once you get much beyond that it would be a worthwhile upgrade.

 

[PARAGUAY]

I put sheathing ply on the back ,not very good to look at but hidden by books , l had several small aquariums on at one time or another

 

[geotom]

yeah these responses are great, I agree about the wooden backing and planned to do that, it would be hidden by stuff anyway

thank you for taking the time to reply

 

[Aqua sobriquet]

If the ply is the same colour it won’t look out of place. It’ll also stop small stuff falling out the back.

 

[Courtneybst]

I've used one like this before but it was a 25L tank. I also reinforced it with metal L brackets though.

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

but brackets and boards attached to the kallax is weakening the structure - they’re made from a thin piece of board and filled with cardboard

Probably a silly question, but could you glue a board to the back (with "no more nails" or similar)? And if you could? Would it help with structural integrity?

cheers Darrel

 

[Guest]

Hi all,

Probably a silly question, but could you glue a board to the back (with "no more nails" or similar)? And if you could? Would it help with structural integrity?

cheers Darrel

Certainly could glue, not your standard wood glue as i don’t think it’ll bond too well on the plasticy surface of the kallax, some kind of epoxy - delo is decent iirc.

In fact, thinking about it glue is what I’d do if I was adding bracing across the back 👍

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

some kind of epoxy - delo is decent iirc.

Makes sense <"Two Part Epoxy Resin | Cold Cure Epoxies | High Strength Epoxy Adhesive">

In fact, thinking about it glue is what I’d do if I was adding bracing across the back

Useful to know, I'm useless at DIY.

cheers Darrel

 

[PARAGUAY]

Just a thought, there is a lot in construction that is perfect sense but is questioned, example using bigger screws ,than those supplied can be a recipe for disaster . Take studded walls, there is thousands of shelving held and safe in just plasterboard perfectly safe, held by just flimsy looking toggles,every situation doesn't require a "raw bolt "approach, l think it's the same for flat pack furniture some of the hardware doesn't look strong enough but is.