Exhibits, Shows and Displays

Aquarium Stand and Fireplace?

I have a huge aquarium stand. It's about as tall as a fireplace mantle (it holds a 75 gallon tank). It has a 2 door cabinet/storage area on the bottom, but I don't keep anything in there. I was thinking about removing the doors and putting a firebox in the cabinet space. Do these things generate enough heat that it would burn the stand? Like I said, the thing is already the size of a fireplace mantle. And I wanted to buy one of those portable fireplace mantles, but then I figured I'd have 2 competing focal points. I figured that since the aquarium stand is as tall as a mantle anyway, I could just remove the doors and slide a firebox in there. What do you guys think?

Public Comments

1. You'll have to check the 'clearance to combustibles' ratings on the fireplace of your choice. The firebox will list the required distance from anything that will burn on the manufacturers data. If the unit you choose is a zero clearance model you'll be able to use it with the tank stand. One thing to ponder though, the firebox will produce an amount of heat that will impact the fish tank. You may find it nearly impossible to maintain any kind of consistent temperature in the aquarium unless the fire in the box burns nonstop. It sounds like a neat idea, do some more research and you just might make it work!
2. The cabinet should have a support piece located between the two doors. If you remove it, you'll lose the support necessary to handle the weight of the aquarium above. Aside from the heat rising above and boiling your favorite goldfish, I think the firebox enclosed in the oak plywood would cause too much of a heat build-up. The firebox enclosure does get extremely hot. Just my opinion. Also, where would you keep the accessories i.e., pump, tubing, etc. I have a stand that holds my 90 gallon tank, and I can see what you're saying, but I don't think I'd risk it (if it's like the one I have, and it probably is). good luck