

If your 55-gallon tank weighs 650 pounds when it’s full, some 55-gallon stands will sag or break under the weight. Stand makers provide weight recommendations for their stands, but most of them only offer estimates based on empty tanks. A large open space may be perfect for bulky components, but if you want to store food, filters, conditioners, and other small supplies, you’ll need a model with two or more shelves. Although most premium stands have storage areas, some do not include shelves.

The simplest stand designs do not include much room for storage, but you may need additional space for a sump pump and other aquatic supplies. Look for companies that allow returns even when the stand has been assembled. However, some companies do not honor returns when the package is opened. If the manufacturer provided inaccurate measurements on the product page, you might have to return the frame. Lay your empty tank on top of the outline to ensure you will not have an overhang.Ĭhecking the dimensions and measuring the tank is essential, but you will not know if the stand fits until you assemble it. You can also make an outline on a long table or floor with pieces of yarn or rope that match the product’s size. Long tanks will not work on frames designed for aquariums with high walls, and tanks with unusual hexagonal or cylindrical shapes will only fit on custom stands.īefore buying a support for your aquarium, measure your tank and check the product’s dimensions. If you have a 20-gallon aquarium and order a stand for 20-gallon tanks, the unit may not fit. You can also add silicone caulk to the stand’s seams to prevent water entry. Interestingly, most stand manufacturers do not use water-resistant materials, but you can prevent damage from wooden stands by adding a waterproof aquarium mat that absorbs water and prevents cracking or warping. Although they’re not as attractive as the wooden models, metal stands typically will not warp or fall apart from water damage. Maintaining an aquarium without spilling water is unlikely, but some of the stands on our list are not water-resistant.
