Question: Do I Need a Special Stand for My Aquarium?It all depends on the size of the aquarium. Regardless of the tank size, it's important to have solid support based not only on the tank size but the filled weight of the aquarium. The biggest error made by aquarium owners is underestimating the weight of the tank once it is filled with water.Aquarium WeightsThe actual weight of aquarium will depend on the type of material used. Glass tanks are twice as heavy as acrylic tanks. An empty twenty-gallon glass aquarium weighs over twenty-five pounds, while an acrylic tank weighs half that. Regardless of the material the tank is made of, the real problem comes into play when it is filled with water.Water is a weighty material, adding over eight pounds per gallon to your aquarium. In addition to the water, you'll be adding substrate for the bottom, which is also heavy. The weight of a twenty-gallon glass tank soars from twenty-five pounds to well over two hundred pounds when it is filled with water and gravel.

Needless to say, that little bookcase against the wall is probably not a good candidate as an aquarium stand for anything other than a mini tank.Weight is not the only issue when selecting a supporting structure for your aquarium. Different aquarium materials require different types of support, and should be taken into account when choosing a stand. Acrylic has the advantage of being lighter weight, but because it is flexible it requires support along the entire bottom surface of the tank. Meanwhile,glass is heavier, but will not buckle. For that reason a glass tank only requires support on the outside edges of the aquarium. That said, when working with a very large tank, full support is wise for any type of aquarium. When choosing a stand keep those differences in mind and purchase the appropriate type of support.Another factor to consider is the importance of the tank being level and supported evenly. If one edge of the tank overhangs the stand, or the entire tank is not level, additional stress will be focused on a specific seam.

Over time the extra pressure can cause that seam to fail, resulting in leaks. Always ensure that the tank is level and that no portion of the tank overhangs the support.In addition to the issue of weight and bottom support, consider the need to access equipment in and around the aquarium. If a shelf, desk, or bookcase is used, keep in mind that you'll need to have some clearance space behind the tank for cords, filters, etc. If a canister or other external equipment is used, there must be space for it close to the aquarium. A stand usually has space built in below the aquarium itself, which can be used to conceal equipment and store accessory items.As a general rule of thumb, tanks under twenty gallons can be placed on a sturdy desk or a well secured solid shelf. When setting up aquariums larger than that, it is advisable to consider a dedicated aquarium stand. Altra Furniture Harbor Aquarium Stand, 29-37 gallon, Black The Altra Harbor 29 - 37 Gallon Aquarium Stand is the perfect way to display your fresh or salt water aquarium, but conceal of all of your aquarium accessories.

The large doors with 2 shelves keep all your fish food, nets, water treatments, or cleaning supplies hidden from view. The rectangular shape allows the Aquarium Stand to fit snugly up against a wall, creating a 3 sided view of the Aquarium. This Aquarium Stand is built to hold up to 37 gallon aquariums. buy aquarium online ukAltra Harbor 29 - 37 Gallon Aquarium Stand requires assembly upon delivery.buy fish tank headboard 14.7 x 33.1 x 30.3 inches ; cheap fish tank wigan Shipping Weight: 59 pounds Item model number: 5691056COM #148,423 in Pet Supplies (See Top 100 in Pet Supplies) in Pet Supplies > Fish & Aquatic Pets > Aquarium Stands 95 star67%4 star11%3 star11%2 star11%See all verified purchase reviewsTop Customer ReviewsIt is not very sturdy but I do like the design and my tank ...the stand is not as sturdy as it might lookThis was a great purchase!it has a nice quality for a decent priceFour Stars... was challenging to put together but it worked just fineThis fish tank shelf work great.

It is steady and beautifulFive Stars48" diy Aquarium Stand. Photo by Stan Hauter Have you ever found yourself in the position of needing (or wanting) an aquarium stand that looks great, doesn't cost much and can be ready to put a tank on in just a few hours? This Do It Yourself Simple Aquarium Stand might be just the ticket for you. This stand is much simpler and less expensive to build than, for example, the Basic aquarium Cabinet or the DIY Oak Aquarium Cabinet and more to her liking than the Easy, Inexpensive DIY aquarium Stand". The aquarium stand (similar to the 48"... DIY Simple AQ Stand Graphic. This aquarium stand is constructed of 2"X4" lumber, for the price, one of the strongest and most economical pieces of wood you can buy at almost any home improvement center. Tools & Fasteners Needed PencilTape MeasureWood Saw (chop saw, table saw, circular saw)Screw Driver (electric corded or cordless recommended)Drill Bits (pilot & counter sink)Apx. 50 2 1/2" X 6.36 cm exterior wood screws

Latex (recommended) or oil base paint. 2" Paint brush3" or 4" Paint Roller Measure and mark the lumber for all of the pieces that you are going to cut. Measuring all of the pieces before cutting any of them will insure that you have used the material efficiently. Measuring each piece twice before cutting will help to make sure that you have not made any mistakes. Measuring and marking accurately will help you to make sure that the stand will not wobble when it is assembled. Even 1/8" difference in the length of one leg will make a big difference... Drill screw pilot holes in the deck 2X4's and the cross bar 2X4's (See photo above for locations). NOTE: When drilling the pilot holes in the front and rear bottom deck pieces, drill them slightly farther from the ends and angle them towards the legs. This will make screwing the screws in easier as the legs may get in the way of the electric drill motor. Countersink the holes with the larger drill bit to a depth of about 1/4".

Measure down 1 1/2" from the tops of the legs... Lay two of the legs on the assembly surface (table, etc.) with the marked lines up. Place two of the cross bars across the legs, aligning the cross bars below the marked lines. Fasten the cross bars to the legs with one screw into each leg through each cross bar (total of 4 screws at this time). This will allow the legs to swivel on the legs. Adjust the legs until they are parallel with each other and the cross bars are also parallel with each other. Measure the distance from the top outside... The next step in assembly is probably more easily done a flat floor and with an assistant. Stand the 2 leg assemblies on the floor with the cross bars facing each other. Place 2 of the top deck pieces on the top cross bars. Align one of the top deck pieces with edges of a leg and hold the ends of the cross bar tightly against the legs. Drill a pilot hole into the cross bar and install one screw into each cross bar. Repeat with another deck piece and the other leg.