How Do You Know if You Need a Fish Tank Stand?

Fish tank stands help support the weight of an aquarium placed on top of them. The stands can come in assorted sizes and options, from beautiful wood and metal cabinets to tall, erect columns. If you’re a prospective or current aquarium owner, how do you know if you need a fish tank stand? Continue reading to learn the answer.

Size of the Aquarium

Fish tanks come in all sorts of sizes and shapes, and each one is beautiful in its own way. However, you can typically place aquariums around 20 gallons or smaller onto a firm, stable desk or secured shelf. You should consider a dedicated fish tank stand when you’re looking to set up aquariums larger than that.

Keep Weight in Mind

Consider how heavy tanks can become once you’ve filled them with water. Water adds around eight pounds for every gallon of water inside the aquarium. Additionally, you will likely need to add substrate, such as rocks, gravel, and sand, to the bottom, adding more heft.

This means that your typical 20-gallon tank that weighs 25 pounds when you buy it can weigh well over 200 pounds once you fill it. Stands are made with this additional weight in mind to ensure they can handle the load. If the object you’re placing your aquarium on can’t hold and secure that weight, it could lead to a disaster.

Even Support

You also need to ensure that your tank rests on a level surface that supports all the weight evenly. When one corner of the tank hangs over the side of its support, or it’s not entirely level, additional stress will concentrate on one seam.

The added pressure can lead to the seam disintegrating over time, causing leaks. Ensure that the tank is level and that no part is overhanging the support. The best way to do so is to buy a stand specifically designed or custom-made for your tank.

Accessibility Needs

It’s essential to keep in mind that you may require a lot of different equipment for your aquarium to keep your fish happy and healthy. If you do decide on a shelf, desk, or bookcase, keep in mind that you’ll need some buffer room behind the tank for wires, filters, heaters, and so on.

You’ll also need space to place external equipment on or near the aquarium, like canisters. Stands often feature a compartment beneath the aquarium that’s perfect for concealing equipment and storing accessories.

We hope this article helps you figure out how to know if you need a fish tank stand. Fish Tanks Direct offers the best fish tank stands for sale that provide outstanding support for your aquarium and look great doing it. Feel free to contact us with any questions about our products.