The journey from deciding to setup and aquarium to actually doing it is one of the most exciting and enjoyable experiences for any hobbyist. While most people spend a lot of time researching all the different parts that need to come together to make a great aquarium setup, one part often gets overlooked and that is the stand. This does not change the fact that the stand isn’t something that should be an afterthought. It could very literally make or break the aquarium.
A sturdy and reliable stand not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your aquarium but also ensures the safety of your fish and equipment. We will explore the different types of stands available and how to choose the best one for your aquarium.
Types of Stands for Aquariums
Aquarium stands can be classified based on many different criteria. Knowing about all the different types of stands will help you make an informed decision.
Material Of Construction
When it comes to choosing the right aquarium stand, there are different materials that you can consider. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to weigh them before deciding. Here are some of the most common materials used to make aquarium stands along with their pros and cons.
Wood:
Wooden aquarium stands are popular due to their natural appearance and sturdy construction. Wood is available in a variety of types, including oak, pine, and maple. Wooden stands can be finished to match the decor of the room and can be painted or stained to provide additional protection against moisture. However, even treated wood can be prone to warping or splitting if exposed to moisture over time. It is also not fire-resistant.
Pros:
– Readily available
– Easy to customize and repair
Cons:
– Not as durable
– Can bend or warp leading to stress on the tank
– Can take up a lot of space
Metal:
Metal aquarium stands are strong and durable, making them ideal for larger aquariums. They are available in a range of materials, including steel, aluminium, and wrought iron. Metal stands are resistant to moisture and do not warp or rot like wood. However, metal stands can be prone to rust if not properly coated. They can also be noisy if the tank is not properly insulated. The corners and edges of metal stands need to be properly finished to make sure there are no sharp corners or edges.
Pros:
– High load-bearing capacity
– Compact
– Easier to fabricate
– Durable
Cons:
– More expensive
– Might be a bit too barebones
– Won’t match a lot of interior designs
Glass:
Aquarium stands made from glass are a relatively new option and are made from tempered glass. They provide a sleek and modern look that is perfect for contemporary interiors. Glass stands are resistant to moisture and are easy to clean. However, they are not as strong as wood or metal stands and can be prone to cracking or shattering.
Pros:
– Looks stunning
Cons:
– Fragile
– Low load bearing capacity and suitable only for smaller tanks- Almost impossible to repair
Acrylic:
Acrylic aquarium stands are a lightweight and durable option that is ideal for small aquariums. Acrylic is a type of plastic that is strong, shatter-resistant, and they are slightly better than class. Acrylic stands are available in a range of colors and can be moulded into different shapes and sizes. However, acrylic can scratch easily, and it is not as strong as wood or metal.
Pros:
– Highly customizable
– Looks cool
Cons:
– Expensive
– Scratch prone
– Difficult to repair
Type Of Production
Aquarium stands can be classified into three based on how they are made – DIY, custom made, mass produced.
DIY: Do-it-yourself aquarium stands are, as the name suggests, built by you using materials that are readily available at hardware stores or home improvement centres. DIY stands can be customized to fit specific aquarium dimensions or to match the decor of the room in which the aquarium is placed. DIY stands are often chosen because they can save money and offer the opportunity for customization, but they require some level of skill and knowledge to construct.
Custom-made: Custom-made aquarium stands are stands that are built by professionals to fit specific aquarium dimensions or to meet specific design requirements. These stands are usually made from high-quality materials and can be tailored to match the aesthetic of the room in which the aquarium is placed. Custom-made stands can be more expensive than other types of stands, but they offer the opportunity for complete customization and a high level of craftsmanship.
Mass-produced: Mass-produced aquarium stands are stands that are manufactured on a large scale and sold by retailers. These stands are often made from less expensive materials, such as MDF or particleboard, but can still provide adequate support for most aquariums. Mass-produced stands are usually less expensive than custom-made stands and can be easier to assemble, but they offer limited customization options.
DIY aquarium stands offer the opportunity for customization and cost savings. Custom-made stands are built by professionals and offer complete customization and a high level of craftsmanship. Mass-produced stands are manufactured on a large scale, are less expensive, and offer limited customization options. The choice between DIY, custom-made, and mass-produced aquarium stands will depend on your priorities, skill level, and budget.
Design
There are several different types of aquarium stand designs, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here are some of the most common ones.
- Basic Stand: This is a simple, rectangular stand made from wood or other sturdy materials. It is designed to support the weight of the aquarium and is often open on all sides for easy access. A sturdy table can work as a basic aquarium stand as long as it has the load-bearing capabilities required for your aquarium.
- Cabinet Stand: This type of stand includes cabinets or drawers that provide additional storage space for aquarium equipment or supplies. Cabinet stands are often made from wood or particleboard and may feature doors that can be closed to hide equipment or supplies. This is a great option if you want to keep supplies and equipment such as a canister filter out of sight.
- Canopy Stand: A canopy stand includes a cover that sits on top of the aquarium and provides a protective barrier to prevent fish from jumping out. Canopy stands are often made from wood or acrylic and can be customized to match the decor of the room.
- Barebones Stand: This type of stand is designed to be open on all sides, allowing for maximum airflow around the aquarium. Open-air stands are often made from metal or wood.
- Wall-Mounted Stand: This type of stand is mounted directly to the wall, providing a space-saving option for smaller aquariums. Wall-mounted stands need to be installed properly to avoid mishaps. The wall should be strong enough to bear the weight of the stand and the aquarium.
- Custom: A custom stand is designed and built to meet specific requirements or match a specific aesthetic. Custom stands can be made from a variety of materials and can include unique features like built-in lighting or storage compartments.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Stand
All these different types of stands can make it a bit confusing when you must choose just one. The best way to approach this is by considering the following factors.
- Tank Shape: The shape and dimensions of the tank is a great place to start. Choose something on which your tank will sit nicely both structurally and aesthetically.
- Material: The material of the stand is a very important consideration. Metal stands are known for their strength and durability, while wooden stands provide a natural and aesthetic appeal.
- Style: The style of the stand should complement your home decor and personal taste. Choose a stand that enhances the aesthetic appeal of your aquarium and fits in with your existing furniture. A stained-oak stand will complement a densely planted tank while metal stands will suit something more minimalistic.
- Weight Capacity: The weight capacity of the stand is an important consideration. Make sure the stand can support the weight of your aquarium, including water, substrate, decorations, and equipment. I will explain how to get a rough estimate of how much your aquarium weighs shortly.
- Budget: This is a no-brainer. Take all the aforementioned factors into consideration and choose the best stand you can get within your budget.
Top Picks for Commercially Available Aquarium Stands
If you feel that going for a mass-produced aquarium stand is the ideal option for you, I have some top picks.
Best for Small Tanks: Aqueon Forge Aquarium Stand
This metal stand is designed for small aquariums and can support tanks up to 20 gallons. It is sturdy, easy to assemble, and has a sleek black finish.
Best for Large Tanks: Aqua Vim Reef Octopus Aquarium Stand
This metal stand is designed for larger tanks and can support tanks up to 200 gallons. It is made of high-quality aluminium and is built to last. The stand has a clean and modern design and is easy to assemble.
Best Wooden Stand: Ameriwood Home Wildwood Aquarium Stand
This wooden stand is made of hardwood and has a rustic look. It is available in various sizes and can support tanks up to 55 gallons. The stand comes with storage shelves
Best Cabinet Stand: Imagitarium Newport Wooden Tank Stand
This cabinet stand is designed to look like a piece of furniture and can support tanks up to 40 gallons. It is made of wood and has a classic design. The stand has storage shelves and doors to keep your aquarium supplies organized.
These are just some of the options out there, but you don’t need to limit yourself to just these stands. Check the reviews for different commercially-available stands and choose something highly-rated that meets your requirements.
How To Calculate The Weight Of An Aquarium?
To calculate the weight of an aquarium, you need to consider the weight of the tank itself, the weight of the water, and the weight of the decorations and equipment inside the aquarium. Here is a step-by-step guide to calculate the approximate weight of an aquarium:
- Determine the dimensions of the aquarium: Measure the length, width, and height of the aquarium in inches or centimetres.
- Calculate the volume of the aquarium: To calculate the volume of the aquarium, multiply the length by the width by the height in inches or centimetres. For example, if the aquarium is 24 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 18 inches high, the volume would be 24 x 12 x 18 = 5,184 cubic inches.
- Convert the volume to gallons: To convert the volume to gallons, divide the cubic inches by 231 (the number of cubic inches in a gallon). In the example above, the volume would be 5,184 / 231 = 22.42 gallons.
- Calculate the weight of the tank: The weight of the tank depends on the material it is made of. For example, a 20-gallon glass aquarium weighs approximately 25 pounds, while a 20-gallon acrylic aquarium weighs approximately 16 pounds.
- Calculate the weight of the water: The weight of the water in the aquarium depends on the volume of water and its density. The density of water is approximately 8.34 pounds per gallon. To calculate the weight of the water, multiply the volume of the aquarium in gallons by the density of water (8.34 pounds per gallon).
- Calculate the weight of the decorations and equipment: The weight of the decorations and equipment can vary widely depending on what is inside the aquarium. You can estimate the weight by weighing each item and adding up the total.
- Add up the weights: Add up the weight of the aquarium, water, decorations, and equipment to get the total weight of the aquarium.
If all this is too much calculation then here is an even rougher estimate of how much aquariums in some standard dimensions weigh.
| Tank Size | Approximate Weight |
| 10 gallon | 110 lbs |
| 20 gallon | 225 lbs |
| 30 gallon | 350 lbs |
| 40 gallon | 460 lbs |
| 50 gallon | 600 lbs |
| 60 gallon | 650 lbs |
| 75 gallon | 850 lbs |
| 90 gallon | 1050 lbs |
| 125 gallon | 1400 lbs |
| 150 gallon | 1800 lbs |
Ensure that the aquarium stand is rated to support the weight of the aquarium and its contents. If in doubt, consult with the manufacturer or a professional to ensure that the stand is strong enough to support the weight of the aquarium.
Maintenance And Upkeep Of Aquarium Stands
While the stand won’t need the same level of maintenance as the aquarium, it will still need some upkeep. Here are a few things to remember.
- Regular cleaning: Regular cleaning is important to remove dust and debris from the stand. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the surface of the stand and remove any dirt or grime.
- Avoid moisture: Avoid spilling water or other liquids on the stand, as this can cause warping or damage to the material. If water does spill on the stand, dry it immediately to prevent damage.
- Check for damage: Regularly inspect the stand for signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, or warping. If you notice any damage, repair it immediately or replace the stand if the damage is severe.
- Ensure the stand is level: Make sure the stand is level by adjusting the levelling feet or using shims as necessary. A level stand will help prevent the aquarium from tipping over and causing damage or injury.
- Use furniture polish: If the stand is made from wood, use furniture polish or wax to keep it looking shiny and new. This will also help protect the wood from damage or wear.
- Keep the area clean: Keep the area around the stand clean and free from clutter. This will help prevent accidents and make it easier to access the stand when needed.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your aquarium stand remains in good condition and provides a safe and sturdy base for your aquarium. Proper maintenance and upkeep can also help prolong the life of the stand and prevent the need for costly repairs or replacements.
FAQ
Why do I need an aquarium stand?
An aquarium stand is essential for supporting the weight of the aquarium and preventing it from tipping over or collapsing. Additionally, an aquarium stand can provide storage space for equipment and supplies.
How do I choose the right aquarium stand?
When choosing an aquarium stand, consider the size and weight of the aquarium, the available space in the room, and your budget. You should also consider the design and style of the stand to ensure it matches the decor of the room and the aquarium setup.
Can I make my own aquarium stand?
Yes, you can make your own aquarium stand using materials like wood or metal. However, it is important to ensure the stand is strong and sturdy enough to support the weight of the aquarium.
How do I maintain my aquarium stand?
To maintain your aquarium stand, regularly clean it with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris. If the stand is made from wood, you can also apply furniture polish or wax to keep it looking shiny and new.
How often should I replace my aquarium stand?
If properly maintained, an aquarium stand can last for many years. However, if you notice any signs of damage or wear, such as cracks or warping, it may be time to replace the stand to ensure the safety of your aquarium.
Can I use a regular piece of furniture as an aquarium stand?
It is not recommended to use a regular piece of furniture, such as a table or bookshelf, as an aquarium stand. These pieces of furniture are not designed to support the weight of an aquarium and could collapse, causing damage or injury.
Can I modify a mass-produced aquarium stand?
Yes, you can modify a mass-produced aquarium stand to fit your specific needs. However, it is important to ensure the modifications do not compromise the structural integrity of the stand.
How do I ensure my aquarium stand is level?
To ensure your aquarium stand is level, use a spirit level to check the surface of the stand. Adjust the levelling feet or shims under the stand as necessary to ensure it is level and stable.
Conclusion
Choosing the right stand for your aquarium is an important decision that will impact the safety and aesthetic appeal of your tank. When selecting a stand, consider the size and weight of your aquarium, the material and style of the stand, and the weight capacity. With these factors in mind, you can find the perfect stand.
