Strategies for Choosing the Right Fish Tank Stand

Fish tank stands play an important role in keeping your furniture and floors from cracking and preventing your aquarium from crashing to the ground. Tanks above 20 to 40 gallons need a tank stand, especially if you’re uncertain how much the furniture you put it on can hold. If you’re struggling to pick out a tank stand and don’t know where to start, here are a few strategies for choosing the right fish tank stand.

Weigh Your Tank After Filling It

The most critical aspect to consider when choosing a tank stand is how much your tank will weigh when completely full. For the most accurate number, you may want to add the weight of everything else you’ll put into your tanks, such as the substrate and décor. Ideally, you’ll choose a stand that can take more than what your aquarium weighs to ensure no accidents happen.

Water adds about eight pounds per gallon, so a 20-gallon tank will weigh 160 pounds when full, not including everything else you’ll end up putting in it. In this scenario, it’s best to round up and choose a tank that can handle 200 pounds.

Consider the Tank Material

Another aspect that can add on a lot of weight is the tank’s material. Acrylic tanks are typically much lighter and easier on a tank stand than glass, which is a very heavy material. If your aquarium is made of glass, you must ensure the tank can handle it. If you have a glass tank, make sure the stand supports the corners of the tank. You should measure the full length of the tank to be sure the tank stand is appropriately sized.

Know the Limitations of Stand Types

The weight of your tank will help you choose the material for your tank stand. Plywood and metal are the standard materials aquariums stands are made of. Plywood is best for medium stands, whereas a metal stand is best for large aquariums that need a lot of support. Another common stand material is particle board, but it is unreliable and can warp over time, especially if used with a saltwater aquarium. It’s best to stick with plywood and metal.

With these strategies for choosing the right fish tank stand, you’re better equipped to get the safest and most effective stand for your aquarium. At Fish Tanks Direct, we offer fish tank and stand combos you can order online so you never have to leave home to find the perfect stand.