Best aquarium stands, and how to choose one

A full aquarium is one of the heaviest things in most homes. A 20 gallon weighs about as much as a refrigerator, and a 55 weighs more than a piano. The stand is what keeps all of that safe, so it's worth getting right.

How these picks were chosen: each one is a widely sold, well-established product that does its job simply, which matters most when you're starting out. Paid links: if you buy through the Amazon links on this page, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

How much weight does the stand hold?

Here's what common tanks weigh once they're full and set up with 2 inches of gravel. Work out your own with the free tank weight calculator.

What to look for

• Made for aquariums. Aquarium stands are built to carry a heavy load in one spot for years. Dressers, bookshelves and TV stands usually aren't, and particle board can swell and sag if it gets wet.
• The right footprint. The top should match your tank's length and width. Every edge of the tank's frame needs to sit on the stand, with no overhang.
• A weight rating above your tank's full weight.
• Metal or wood. Metal frame stands are strong, light and cheap. Wooden cabinet stands hide your gear and look like furniture. Both are fine if they're made for the tank.
• Room for gear. A cabinet or shelf underneath holds food, test kits and buckets, and often a quarantine tank.
• A comfortable height. Most stands are about 28 to 30 inches tall, which puts the tank at eye level when you're sitting.

Our picks

Aqueon's metal stands are simple steel frames sized exactly for standard tanks, with a lower shelf that fits a smaller tank. The wood panels flip to black or light brown.

• For a 10 gallon: Aqueon metal 10 gallon stand (20 × 10 in top). The top is 20 × 10 inches, and the bottom shelf fits a 5.5 gallon.
• For a 20 long or 29 gallon: Aqueon metal 20 long / 29 gallon stand (30 × 12 in top). The top is 30 × 12 inches, and the bottom shelf fits a 15 gallon.
• For a 40 breeder or 55 gallon: there are many good stands, so compare 40 breeder stands or 55 gallon stands by footprint and weight rating.

Setting the stand up

1. Pick the spot first. Away from direct sun and heating vents, near an outlet, and where you can reach it with buckets. See how to set up a fish tank.
2. Check the floor. For tanks of 40 gallons and up, put it against a load-bearing wall, with the long side across the floor joists. For 75 gallons and up, or upper floors, ask a builder.
3. Level it. Put a level on top in both directions. If it's off, shim under the stand's feet, never under the tank.
4. Put the tank on empty. Never move a tank with water or gravel in it.
5. Check again after adding a few inches of water. The water line should be even with the top frame all round.

Do I need a mat under the tank?

Most standard tanks have a plastic frame along the bottom and sit straight on the stand, no mat. Rimless tanks often need a thin foam mat, so follow the tank maker's instructions. A mat can't fix a stand that isn't level.

Related: How to set up a fish tank · Best aquarium starter kits · 40 gallon breeder stocking ideas