ᐅ KALLAX as an aquarium stand — can it support the weight?

Hello everyone,

I am currently considering using my IKEA KALLAX as a stand for an aquarium. My aquarium has a volume of about 120 liters (32 gallons), which corresponds to a weight of approximately 120 kilograms (265 pounds) plus the weight of the tank itself, which could be around another 30 kilograms (66 pounds). In addition, there are of course the filter, decorations, and other accessories. My question is whether the standard KALLAX can reliably support this load and safely hold the aquarium without suffering long-term damage or becoming unstable.

I have read that the cabinets are not designed for very heavy loads, but there are also indications that they are quite sturdy for shelving. Has anyone used a KALLAX as an aquarium stand before? If so, how did you distribute the weight or perhaps reinforce the unit?

It is important to me that everything is stable and safe, as aquariums are constantly subjected to pressure and any accident must be avoided.

Thanks in advance for your opinions!

Bamudi schrieb:
whether the KALLAX in standard version can reliably handle this load and safely support the aquarium

The KALLAX is generally not designed for such continuous loads. 150 kg (330 lbs) is very close to the limit, and without reinforcement, bending may occur. It is better to use an additional support panel or a cabinet made of more durable material.

Hey Bamudi, I find this topic really interesting! 🙂

I once used my KALLAX as an aquarium stand as well, but for a 54-liter (14-gallon) tank. It held up perfectly, with no issues regarding stability or load capacity. However, for your 120-liter (32-gallon) tank, you should definitely consider reinforcing it, such as adding a plywood sheet on top or extra braces.

The great thing about the KALLAX is that it’s quite easy to modify. As long as the weight is well distributed, it usually works surprisingly well! Otherwise, IKEA would have issued warnings a long time ago :-)

Good luck, and feel free to share how you ultimately decide!

plopra schrieb:
without reinforcement, bending may occur

Thanks for the warning! That’s exactly what I wanted to avoid.

reoleon47 schrieb:
consider reinforcement, such as a plywood sheet on top or additional braces

That sounds like a good idea. So I would install a stronger surface to better distribute the pressure from the aquarium.

Does anyone have recommendations on how to best secure the reinforcement so it doesn’t slip and still looks reasonably neat? Or are there specific reinforcements that are especially suitable for the KALLAX?

I want to avoid making major modifications to the furniture, as I might not be able to revert them later.

Bamudi schrieb:
how I can best secure the reinforcement so that it doesn’t slip

Simply place a plywood sheet inside on the top edge of the carcass, glue it firmly with strong wood glue or silicone, and additionally screw it with brackets. Avoid slippery foil in between. Using small brackets gives you a secure hold without major modifications.