One of the important steps in setting up your new aquarium is selecting the correct fish tank stand. The stand not only has to adequately support the tank itself, it can also serve a wider variety of needs. You certainly do not want to place your new fish tank on a flimsy bookcase or even a table.

Fish tank stands are designed and constructed to hold the immense amount of weight to which they are subjected. Many beginner aquarists do not realize that a gallon of water weighs about 10 pounds. A small fish tank with 10 gallon capacity will hold about nine gallons of water when filled. It will also include a layer of gravel, various items of tank equipment and decorations. This small 10 gallon tank will therefore weigh at least 100 pounds!

Sourcing Your Fish Tank Stand

There is a wide variety of fish tank stands available. You should be able to find an appropriately sized stand for your tank at a pet store or aquatic hobby store. You may also do an online search for a tank stand. There are now many online retailers dealing exclusively in aquarium equipment that ship nationally or even internationally.

If you are a handyperson and enjoy D-I-Y projects, there are plans available online to build your own fish tank stand.

Fish tank stands can seem rather expensive items; however, there is little option but to purchase one. Most items of furniture around the house are not designed to hold the weight of a fish tank for any length of time.

An advantage of fish tank stands built for a specific sized tank is that they appear more unobtrusive than sitting the tank on an unused piece of furniture. Many fish tank stands can be beautiful items of furniture in their own right and will usually include shelving with doors. This space is extremely useful for holding the items that will be in use regularly in maintaining and cleaning your fish tank and feeding your fish. An enclosed cabinet will also hide the numerous power cords that will be attached to the tank and tend to dangle down unattractively behind it. Some fish tank stands include a matching hood which can further enhance the look of the aquarium.

Once you have set up your fish tank stand, it is often advisable to anchor it to a wall stud, especially if you have small children or pets in the home. Anchoring the tank stand to an adjacent wall can prevent a major accident.

Once your stand is in place you will be able to install your new fish tank and follow the instructions for setting up the fish tank and stocking it with fish.

An aquarium can be a big investment in both time and money. Purchasing a top quality fish tank stand can help ensure that your investment doesn't accidentally get knocked over. Choose the fish tank stand that is designed for your aquarium and suits your home's style, and you will feel confident in establishing your fish tank.