Stands

Unless you plan to place your aquarium directly on the floor, a stand is essential. Small tanks, typically under 20 gallons, don’t always require a special stand and can usually be placed on sturdy furniture. However, once you reach around 20 gallons, it’s best to use a designated aquarium stand to ensure proper support.

Testing for Stability: The 20-Gallon Rule

A 20-gallon tank is right on the edge of needing a special stand. A simple way to test if your chosen furniture can support the weight of a small aquarium is to sit on it. The average adult weighs about the same as a full 20-gallon tank, so if the furniture feels sturdy enough to sit on for long periods, it should be safe for an aquarium. However, once you go beyond 20-30 gallons, things get risky.

Understanding the Weight of a Larger Tank

As the size of your tank increases, so does the weight. A 75-gallon tank, for example, will weigh about 140 pounds when empty. When filled with freshwater, the water alone adds another 600 pounds, bringing the total to around 740 pounds. If you're setting up a saltwater tank, you'll need to factor in 75-100 pounds of live rock, plus substrate, which pushes the total weight above 800 pounds—easily more than half a ton.

Most household furniture is not designed to support this level of weight, and placing such a heavy tank on a weak or unstable surface can lead to disaster. If you're unsure whether the furniture can hold the weight, it’s best to invest in a proper aquarium stand designed to handle the load. This is especially important if the tank will be placed on a higher floor of your house, where structural support may be an issue.

The Importance of a Proper Stand

When setting up a large tank, make sure your stand is capable of supporting the weight of both the tank and the water. Skimping on a proper stand might save you a few dollars, but the potential costs of damage to your home or aquarium setup are far higher. If there’s any doubt about whether the stand can handle the load, it's better to invest in a high-quality stand than to risk a catastrophic failure.

Materials for Tank Stands

Tank stands are generally made from two materials: wood and metal. Both options work well, as long as the wood is solid planks, not laminate. Laminate and other weaker materials may not provide the necessary support. Homemade stands can also be effective, but it's important to ensure that the bottom of the tank is fully supported. Overhangs or improperly supported areas can cause structural issues over time, leading to tank failure.