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Selecting the right aquarium stand is just as important as selecting the right aquarium.  You want your stand to be attractive and you need your stand to be level, strong and sturdy.  It’s best not to use old furniture as small leaks can cause water damage and ruin the finish.  Also, a filled fish tank can cause wood to warp on furniture that was not meant to support the extreme weight of an aquarium system. 

The aquarium stand must be the right size for the fish tank that you have selected.  If the tank overhangs, even the slightest bit, the aquarium will likely break or become distorted.

The best (and most expensive) aquarium stands are the ones made wood with a built in cabinet and drawers so that you can conceal all of the supplies that you don’t want seen.  It is best to choose a stand that matches the decor of the room where the aquarium will be housed.

Stands can also be made out of iron or steel.  Stands made of angle iron are usually unattractive and have a bulky appearance.  Wrought iron stands are more attractive and lighter than angle iron.

DIY Stands

There are aquarium stands on the market that you can purchase as a kit and assemble yourself.  These stands are typically made of particle board and are very easy to put together.  They do not usually last very long and can collapse if they get wet.  It is best to avoid them if possible.

Another do-it-yourself option is to buy some good wood, whip out your tools, and build one yourself.  You probably won’t save much money over buying a wooden stand, but a lot of people enjoy working with tools.  An added bonus is that you can make the stand to exactly fit your tastes and needs.