ᐅ Is it advisable to install additional reinforcement panels in Kallax units when using them to support aquariums?
Created on: 10 Dec 2022 09:13
S
SirimaHello everyone,
I am planning to set up my new aquarium on a Kallax shelf unit, but I am unsure whether I should add extra reinforcement panels to stabilize and protect the shelf. My main question is: When using a Kallax shelf unit for an aquarium, is it really necessary to install special reinforcement panels to better distribute the weight and prevent damage to the unit, or are the original shelves sufficient without any additional measures?
I have read that the Kallax was not originally designed for such heavy loads, but I wonder if reinforcement panels are truly needed or if the unit can handle the actual weight of the aquarium without issues. Perhaps some users have practical experience or recommendations?
Thank you in advance!
I am planning to set up my new aquarium on a Kallax shelf unit, but I am unsure whether I should add extra reinforcement panels to stabilize and protect the shelf. My main question is: When using a Kallax shelf unit for an aquarium, is it really necessary to install special reinforcement panels to better distribute the weight and prevent damage to the unit, or are the original shelves sufficient without any additional measures?
I have read that the Kallax was not originally designed for such heavy loads, but I wonder if reinforcement panels are truly needed or if the unit can handle the actual weight of the aquarium without issues. Perhaps some users have practical experience or recommendations?
Thank you in advance!
Hello Sirima,
I would like to provide a more detailed response here, as the issue of stability with Kallax shelves and aquariums is not straightforward.
The Kallax shelf is originally equipped with 20mm (0.8 inch) thick particleboard panels, which are designed to support a maximum load of about 13-15 kg (29-33 lbs) per compartment. However, depending on its size, an aquarium places significantly more weight on the shelf.
It is important to note that the load from an aquarium is not only static due to the weight of the water and decorations (1 liter water = 1 kg / 2.2 lbs) but also dynamic during shifting, filling, and cleaning. Standard shelves can bend under this stress or, in the worst case, break.
Therefore, I always recommend adding extra reinforcement, usually in the form of plywood or OSB boards, at least 15-18 mm (0.6-0.7 inch) thick. These should be cut to the full depth of the Kallax unit and supported by the side panels to distribute the load as evenly as possible.
This way, you also avoid subjecting the original shelves to constant heavy stress, preventing premature damage.
Feel free to provide more details if you share your aquarium size and the exact Kallax model.
I would like to provide a more detailed response here, as the issue of stability with Kallax shelves and aquariums is not straightforward.
The Kallax shelf is originally equipped with 20mm (0.8 inch) thick particleboard panels, which are designed to support a maximum load of about 13-15 kg (29-33 lbs) per compartment. However, depending on its size, an aquarium places significantly more weight on the shelf.
It is important to note that the load from an aquarium is not only static due to the weight of the water and decorations (1 liter water = 1 kg / 2.2 lbs) but also dynamic during shifting, filling, and cleaning. Standard shelves can bend under this stress or, in the worst case, break.
Therefore, I always recommend adding extra reinforcement, usually in the form of plywood or OSB boards, at least 15-18 mm (0.6-0.7 inch) thick. These should be cut to the full depth of the Kallax unit and supported by the side panels to distribute the load as evenly as possible.
This way, you also avoid subjecting the original shelves to constant heavy stress, preventing premature damage.
Feel free to provide more details if you share your aquarium size and the exact Kallax model.
Domau0 schrieb:
That’s why I always recommend adding extra reinforcement, usually in the form of plywood or OSB panels, at least 15-18 mm (5/8–3/4 inch) thick.Thank you for the detailed response. My aquarium will be about 80x40x40 cm (32x16x16 inches), so roughly 130 liters (34 gallons). Does that mean I should install panels that are 18 mm (3/4 inch) thick and ideally span from wall to wall, covering the entire depth of the Kallax unit?
I’m asking because I want to maintain the appearance of the shelving and prefer not to have too much of a panel visible.
Also, I have the following question: Should I attach the reinforcements only to the bottom shelf underneath, or also to the future side walls to further increase stability?
With a volume of about 130 liters (approximately 130 kg plus furnishings), you clearly exceed the recommended load limits for Kallax.
An 18 mm (about 0.7 inch) plywood panel installed across the full depth distributes the load much better. Ideally, the panel should be installed so that it is supported by the side walls.
Mounting it directly on the base element with full-area support on the sides increases the load-bearing capacity of the entire shelf unit. A shelf simply resting without lateral fixation could deform.
With proper planning, the reinforcement panel is usually barely visible, as it is fitted precisely into the compartment.
An 18 mm (about 0.7 inch) plywood panel installed across the full depth distributes the load much better. Ideally, the panel should be installed so that it is supported by the side walls.
Mounting it directly on the base element with full-area support on the sides increases the load-bearing capacity of the entire shelf unit. A shelf simply resting without lateral fixation could deform.
With proper planning, the reinforcement panel is usually barely visible, as it is fitted precisely into the compartment.
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