An aquarium stand is one of the most important pieces of a fish tank set up. The type of stand and the material it is made from can impact how stable and beautiful a setup looks, as well as how easy it will be to work on. There are many different types of stands to choose from, and they vary in price, size and style. Some stands are designed for specific types of tanks, while others offer more storage space or other features that can make it easier to care for a tank.
A good aquarium stand will be able to support the weight of your tank and any other equipment you might have like filters or heaters. Choosing the right stand is a very personal choice that will depend on how you want to use your aquarium and the location in your home. For example, a taller aquarium with a hood might be more attractive in the corner of a room, where it can act as a focal point. On the other hand, a smaller aquarium might be more suitable for an open room where it can easily be hidden.
There are a number of different aquarium stands on the market, from simple four legged designs to cabinets and other specialized furniture. There are also many options for what materials your stand should be made out of, and this will depend on the type of aquarium you have and your personal taste.
Generally speaking, the best aquarium stands are those that are constructed from wood. Wood is very sturdy and comes in a variety of colors, styles and finishes that can fit with nearly any decor. It is also relatively inexpensive compared to other types of aquarium furniture. Some wooden aquarium stands are solid wood, while others have a combination of wood and medium density fiberboard (MDF). The MDF construction allows for the creation of a much more affordable aquarium stand that is still very strong.
The aquarium stand can also be constructed out of metal, which is often a more durable option than wood. The problem with metal is that it can be quite heavy, and can add a lot of extra weight to your tank and other equipment. This can be a serious problem if you are using a very large or heavy tank.
Some aquariums, particularly those over a certain height, may require a welded steel aquarium stand. This is due to the extreme amounts of pressure and weight that tall tanks create for each square foot of floor they occupy. Welded steel aquarium stands require special engineering to ensure that the structure can be properly reinforced in case of a failure.
If you are shopping for a welded steel aquarium stand, be sure to check how it is built. If a manufacturer says they are using welded steel, but the price is dramatically less than a similar style of stand, this could be because they are using a significantly thinner gauge of steel or not enough upright supports in the base. Both of these situations can lead to failure when the stand is being used under load.