The Importance of Using a Mat for Your Aquarium: A Comprehensive Guide
Aquariums can bring life and beauty to any home or office space. They provide a tranquil environment, displaying colorful marine life that soothes the eye.
However, it is not just putting water, marine life, and decorations into the aquarium. Aquarium keepers should also ensure that they provide an excellent home for their aquatic pets.
One of the often overseen aspects of setting up an aquarium is choosing an appropriate mat. In this article, we explore the importance of having a mat for your aquarium, the risks of not using one, and the types of mats available in the market.
Why Use a Mat Underneath Your Aquarium? There are several significant reasons why using a mat underneath your aquarium is necessary and why it is a step you should never overlook:
Importance of a Mat for Rimless Aquariums
Rimless aquariums are an excellent choice for people who want an unobstructed view of their aquatic pets. However, the downside is that they do not have any support around the edges, meaning they rely heavily on the base to stay upright.
You don’t want to compromise your marine life’s safety from cracks and breaks caused by any impact from the ground. The use of a strong and sturdy mat will absorb the stress and the accidental impacts that would damage the tank.
Given that a new aquarium is expensive, maintaining it can save you some money in the long run.
Weight Distribution on Uneven Surfaces
Aquariums are weighty items, and therefore, you need to ensure that they sit on a level surface. If your aquarium’s base is sitting on an uneven surface, you will experience a weight distribution problem, leading to developing pressure points that could crack the glass.
This is especially true if the aquarium houses heavy items such as rocks or large driftwood. Using a mat underneath your aquarium helps to spread the weight over the entire surface, providing a stable base for your marine life.
Risks of Not Using a Mat
Without the appropriate support of an aquarium mat, your aquarium might be subjected to damage or cracking. The direct contact between the tank and the surface, whether it’s wood, metal, tile, or carpet, increases the risk of cracks and breaks.
Aquarium mats absorb the shock of daily wear and tear and keep the vibrations away from the edges, preventing any breakage from occurring. If you would not want to risk replacing your aquarium and the aquatic animals, investing in a good quality mat is a must.
Types of Mats for Aquariums
There are various types of aquarium mats available in the market, each with its benefits and recommendations.
DIY Options
Camping and yoga mats make accessible and affordable DIY aquarium mats. The materials used in these mats are thick and dense, providing excellent support for your aquarium.
However, ensure that you choose a camping mat that does not release chemicals once it comes into contact with water, and buy a cloth covers for your yoga mat to prevent scratches and accidental damage to the tank.
Popular Brands for Aquarium Specific Mats
If you want to invest in a mat designed explicitly for aquariums, you can never go wrong with Mr. Aqua. This brand offers a wide range of mats specific to aquariums, including a cushioned mat for rimless aquariums.
These pads are durable and made of high-quality materials to ensure that they provide long-lasting support to your aquarium.
Other Materials for Mats
Apart from camping mats and specialized aquarium mats, you can opt for cork or Styrofoam. Cork is beneficial as it is easy to cut and shape to fit the required size of your tank.
It is also eco-friendly, which makes it more sustainable than other mat options. Styrofoam, on the other hand, is perfect for a budget-friendly mat.
It is lightweight, easily cut to size, and prevents heat loss, helping keep the water warm.
Conclusion
In summary, investing in a good mat for your aquarium is essential for maintaining your marine life’s safety. The right mat ensures that the weight of the aquarium is evenly distributed, reducing the risk of cracks and breaks.
With the information shared above on the importance of a mat for rimless aquariums, the weight distribution on uneven surfaces, and the risks of not using a mat, you can now make an informed decision when it comes to the type of mat to use. Remember to select a mat that suits your aquarium size, and do not forget to clean it regularly to prevent any bacteria or harm to your aquatic creatures.
Best Practices for Using a Mat Under Your Aquarium
Using a mat under your aquarium is a smart decision when it comes to protecting your aquatic pets. However, you need to ensure that you use it correctly to get the most out of it.
Below are some best practices to follow when using a mat under your aquarium. Use a Mat for Raised Surfaces, Not Gaps
Proper placement of the mat is essential to maximize its benefits.
Do not place the mat in a gap between two surfaces, as this could cause the mat to compress unevenly, creating an unstable base for your aquarium. Instead, opt to put the mat beneath a raised surface like a stand or existing cabinet that is already level.
Choose a Padded Material with Some Give
The ideal material for an aquarium mat is one that provides cushioning with some give. This allows the mat to absorb vibrations and shock, creating an even surface for the aquarium to rest.
Materials that are too hard do not protect against damage from shocks, and those that are too soft will not support the weight of your aquarium. Stuff that can compress too much, like foam mats, can cause instability to the aquarium, which is dangerous for your marine life.
Cut the Mat to Size for Aesthetic Purposes
To achieve a cleaner look for your aquarium setup, it’s crucial to cut your mat to fit the dimensions of your aquarium or its stand perfectly. Cut it to size with scissors or a sharp knife to ensure that it is neatly trimmed, and it doesn’t stick out awkwardly.
Debunking Common Misconceptions about Using a Mat
There are several common misconceptions about using a mat under an aquarium. It’s important to dispel these myths to avoid making mistakes that would be costly to your aquatic life.
Belief that Mats are Unnecessary
Some people think that mats are unnecessary and that they are merely an added expense to the setup cost. However, not using a mat for your aquarium increases the risk of damage from vibrations and shocks.
The direct contact of the aquarium base with any surface, including the stand or cabinet, creates pressure and stress that can weaken the glass. As a result, a cracked tank that poses a safety risk to your aquatic pets may develop.
Avoid these risks and prevent accidents by using an appropriate mat for your aquarium.
Fear that Mats Look Unsightly
Some people believe that placing a mat under an aquarium ruins the aesthetics of the setup. However, this is far from the truth.
Aquarium mats come in various colors and textures to suit all kinds of setups. Also, if you decide to use a cork mat, it has a natural, earthy feel and is aesthetically pleasing.
Concerns About the Compressibility of Foam Mats
Some people are concerned that foam mats will compress too much, causing the aquarium to become unstable. While this may be true to some extent, it is important to choose foam mats that have the right percentage of compression.
Quality foam mats like those from Mr. Aqua, designed specifically for aquariums, have the ideal compression, providing cushioning and stability without being too compressible. Don’t let compressibility concerns deter you from using a mat.
Conclusion
Using the right mat, properly placed and cut to measure, protects your aquarium and aquatic life from damage caused by shocks and vibrations. It’s an affordable way to maintain the safety and integrity of your aquarium setup.
Avoiding misconceptions and following best practices ensures that you maximize your mat’s benefits while keeping your aquatic environment looking great. In conclusion, using a mat under your aquarium is crucial for maintaining the safety and integrity of your aquatic setup.
It is especially important for rimless aquariums and on raised surfaces to ensure weight distribution is even. Choosing the right padded material and cutting the mat to size creates a clean and stable look.
It’s important to dispel any misconceptions that mats are unnecessary or unsightly and that foam mats are too compressible by using a high-quality mat designed specifically for aquariums. Don’t risk damage or harm to your aquatic pets, invest in a mat and follow best practices to ensure their safety, and maintain the value of your aquarium in the long run.