Question: Do I Need a Special Stand for My Aquarium?
Answer: It all depends on the size of the aquarium. Regardless of the tank size, it's important to have solid support based not only on its size, but its filled weight. The biggest error made by aquarium owners is underestimating the weight of the tank once it is filled with water.
Aquarium Weights
The actual weight of aquarium will depend on the type of material used. Glass tanks are twice as heavy as acrylic tanks. An empty 20 gallon glass aquarium weights over 25 lbs. Regardless of the material the tank is made of, the real problem comes into play when it is filled with water.
Water is Heavy
Water is a weighty material, adding over 8 pounds per gallon to your aquarium. In addition to the water, you'll be adding substrate for the bottom, which is also heavy. The weight of an 20 gallon glass tank soars from 25 pounds to well over 200 pounds when it is filled with water and gravel. Needless to say, the little bookcase against the wall is probably not a good candidate as a stand.
Full Support for the Bottom?
Weight is not the only issue when selecting a supporting structure for your aquarium. Different aquarium materials require different types of support, and should be taken into account when choosing a stand.
Acrylic has the advantage of being lighter weight, but because it is flexible it requires support along the full surface of the tank bottom. Glass is heavier, but will not buckle, and therefore only requires support on the outside edges of the aquarium. When choosing a stand keep those differences in mind and purchase the appropriate type of support.
Consider Accessibility
In addition to weight and bottom support, consider the need to access equipment in and around the aquarium. If a shelf, desk, or bookcase is used, keep in mind that you'll need to have some clearance space behind the tank for cords, filters, etc. If a canister or other external equipment is used, there must be space for it close to the aquarium. A stand usually has space built in below the aquarium itself.
Generally tanks under 20 gallon can be placed on sturdy desks or shelves. When setting up aquariums larger than that, it is advisable to consider a dedicated aquarium stand.
Aquarium Weights
The actual weight of aquarium will depend on the type of material used. Glass tanks are twice as heavy as acrylic tanks. An empty 20 gallon glass aquarium weights over 25 lbs. Regardless of the material the tank is made of, the real problem comes into play when it is filled with water.
Water is Heavy
Water is a weighty material, adding over 8 pounds per gallon to your aquarium. In addition to the water, you'll be adding substrate for the bottom, which is also heavy. The weight of an 20 gallon glass tank soars from 25 pounds to well over 200 pounds when it is filled with water and gravel. Needless to say, the little bookcase against the wall is probably not a good candidate as a stand.
Full Support for the Bottom?
Weight is not the only issue when selecting a supporting structure for your aquarium. Different aquarium materials require different types of support, and should be taken into account when choosing a stand.
Acrylic has the advantage of being lighter weight, but because it is flexible it requires support along the full surface of the tank bottom. Glass is heavier, but will not buckle, and therefore only requires support on the outside edges of the aquarium. When choosing a stand keep those differences in mind and purchase the appropriate type of support.
Consider Accessibility
In addition to weight and bottom support, consider the need to access equipment in and around the aquarium. If a shelf, desk, or bookcase is used, keep in mind that you'll need to have some clearance space behind the tank for cords, filters, etc. If a canister or other external equipment is used, there must be space for it close to the aquarium. A stand usually has space built in below the aquarium itself.
Generally tanks under 20 gallon can be placed on sturdy desks or shelves. When setting up aquariums larger than that, it is advisable to consider a dedicated aquarium stand.
