by Bengal Hotdog

Created on: December 04, 2009

Aquariums are heavy. Very, very heavy. It's extremely important, especially for larger tanks, to have a strong and even surface on which to support your tank. Uneven surfaces can lead to stress fractures in the glass, which eventually lead to cracks and leaks.

There are a few different types of stands to choose from, or you can build one yourself if you're handy with a hammer. Stands are very pricey and can easily cost just as much, of not more, than the tank itself.

Most aquarium stands are made from either wood or metal, and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and features.

Wood stands are stylish but can be expensive, and are easily damaged by water should your tank ever leak or drip. Wooden aquarium stands are often build like large cabinets with doors to store your fish supplies and aquarium equipment out of sight. Many of the larger stands have holes cut in the back or sides for plumbing, making them filter-ready for canister type filters. This way the bulky canister can be kept out of sight, and the hoses and wires can be hidden as well.

Metal stands are less expensive, usually lighter and are less prone to water damage, but aren't usually as attractive or stylish as their wooden counterparts. They are usually a simple aluminum frame with the option of having a shelf below the tank, but typically this is not a closed in cabinet as in the wooden stands.

It's not recommended to use your own corner table or cabinet that is not designed for mass amounts of weight, unless you have a small tank. A 55 gallon tank, for example, weighs well over six hundred pounds. That's a lot of pressure for your old buffet-table to handle, and you certainly don't want to see it collapse in your living room.

The stand does not need to be purchased with the tank itself, however, because pet stores like to jack up the prices when they put two items together as a 'kit' or 'package'. Buy a stand that is meant for an aquarium of the same dimensions as your own, but buy it used through classified ads, or buy it separately from the pet store and you'll save yourself a few bucks.

Lastly, think of simple physics when you're picking out a stand. Look for something that is not too tall and not too narrow, and won't be easy for the dog or the kids to knock over. Think of the location where the tank is to be set up and choose the stand that suits the room and the other furniture in it; if you've got the wallet for it you can even order custom-built aquariums to match the other pieces in your home. However, stability and sturdiness are the most important aspects when making your decision.

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