The Best Fish Tank Aquarium Stands

Part of the fun of owning one or two fish (or more) is designing a fish tank that suits their needs, looks great, and offers a calm environment to watch your fish swim. A fish tank aquarium stand is a great way to bring that calming oasis to eye level while enhancing your fish’s living quarters. With options for every budget and style, adding an aquarium stand to your fish’s habitat takes your tank to the next level.

Many aquariums need a pump, heater, as well as other decorative and functional items inside to keep the fish happy and healthy. The closer you can replicate their natural environment, the better they will feel. Tank stands can also store items like scoops or fish food when they are not in use.

A fish tank stand also makes it easier to maintain your fish tank. Because you can see what is going on inside, it’s easier to notice potential issues like algae or a broken pump before they cause harm to your fish. You can also see how your fish are interacting and behaving, identifying a potential illness or other problems sooner.

The Top Picks for Fish Tank Aquarium Stands

#1 Best Overall: Flipper Harbor Aquarium Stand

In our review, the best fish tank stand is the Flipper Harbor Aquarium Stand.

This aquarium stand comes in a sleek black color and is crafted with laminated particleboard with nickel door handles. It features an inside compartment that can be used for storage purposes, especially if you want to place to store your aquarium accessories such as fishnets, foods, and water treatments. 

These items can be stored on the four shelves (two are adjustable) which are then hidden away behind the cabinet’s doors. Plus, each shelf can hold 25 pounds. 

The only drawback to this product that we could find is that some customers have reported that it can be difficult to assemble because some of the pre-drilled screw holes were not aligned correctly.

Pros and Cons of the Flipper Harbor Aquarium Stand

Best Overall

Flipper Harbor 29 - 37 Gallon Aquarium Stand

• Made from laminated particleboard
• Suitable for up to 37 gallons
• Inside compartment for storage
• Modern design

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2. Best on a Budget: Aquatic Fundamentals Metal Aquarium Stand

An aquarium stand doesn’t need to break the bank, so the best budget option is the Aquatic Fundamentals Aquarium Stand.

When you think of a fish tank stand, you probably picture an open metal stand that has the perfect size flat surface to hold a fish tank on the top. This metal aquarium stand is just the thing! It has scrollwork on the sides to offer some great style. The tank in this review is 24.3 inches long and can hold a 20-gallon fish tank. Due to its open design, this size isn’t suitable for a smaller fish tank since the top has supports at intervals designed for a 20-gallon tank. However, it does come in different dimensions, offering the perfect solution for fish owners with a 10-gallon, 20-gallon, 29-gallon, or 55-gallon tank.

While this stand does not have included storage, it’s perfect for a more open design. It is also a great budget pick. For the affordable price, you can even purchase a small storage container to keep nearby for your everyday essentials or parts to your fish tank. It is constructed from steel and powder-coated for a sleek finish, which also makes it resistant to rust too. However, customers have reported that it is not particularly sturdy once the tank is filled with water.

Pros and Cons of the Aquatic Fundamentals Metal Aquarium Stand

Best Budget

Aquatic Fundamentals Metal Aquarium Stand

• Budget priced
• The open metal stand features decorative scrollwork
• The top is designed to hold the appropriate tank size securely
• Available in different sizes to accommodate 10- gallon, 20-gallon, 29-gallon, or 55-gallon tanks
• Does not include a storage area

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3. Best Splurge: Farmington Aquarium Stand

A stylish choice, and the best splurge option, is the Farmington Aquarium Stand which looks more like a piece of furniture than a fish tank accessory.

This stand has four cabinets with interior shelving which are big enough to hold larger parts and pieces for your fish tank. The shelving also makes it easy to keep smaller items within reach, such as fish food flakes. The back of the stand is open, making it easy to run pumps and other electrical components to your tank while keeping the cords themselves out of sight. The stand is made from laminated MDF and particleboard with an off-white finish to give it a sleek and stylish look. However, it should be noted that this is not water-resistance and the material can be stained or even damaged with repeated exposure to water.

This is a pricier fish tank stand but remains a popular choice for those who want something that goes well with their decor while also providing a safe, stable place for their larger tank. However, it is only suitable for 10 to 20 gallon tanks.

Pros and Cons of the Farmington Aquarium Stand

Best Splurge

Farmington Aquarium Stand

• The stylish design from Ollie & Hutch features four cabinets with shelving
• The back of the stand is open to keep pumps and other electrical components out of sight
• Built to hold 55-gallon tanks
• Durable, stable construction

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4. Best for Small Tanks: Finomenal Aquarium Stand

If you only have a small aquarium then we recommend the Finomenal Aquarium Stand which is suitable for tanks containing up to 20 gallons.

This white-colored aquarium stand is made from high-quality engineered wood which can withstand water damage and be sturdy enough to hold small aquariums up to 20 gallons in size. This solid cabinet not only looks attractive but also has plenty of storage space and functions well as an aquarium cabinet. 

It has an easily accessible and open shelf above the cabinet doors where you can store items that you need to reach for quickly, such as fish food, nets, and water products. Underneath is a compartment with two doors and brass handles where you can store larger items that you want to hide from plain sight such as buckets, siphons, and other aquarium accessories. 

However, this cabinet can be tricky to assemble as customers have reported that the instructions are not clear as they contain only a picture guide.

Pros and Cons of the Finomenal Aquarium Stand

Best for Small-Sized Aquariums

Finomenal Aquarium Stand for 10 to 20 Gallon Tanks

• Made from waterproof material
• Features an open shelf for storage
• Very sturdy
• Can also be used as a terrarium stand

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Choosing the Best: What to Look For

When selecting the best fish tank stand, you should consider your budget, the storage features you want, and the size of the stand. Here is how to evaluate your needs in each category.

Budget

You can find fish tank stands for less than $100 or more than $1000. If you want to go big, you can even get a customized stand or built-in. There are plenty of options for every budget, with many of them between $100 and $200. If you already have a fish tank, there are stands that can be used with 10-gallon, 20-gallon, or even 55-gallon tanks.

Storage Features

One of the best features of an aquarium stand is the addition of convenient storage. Whether you want something to store small items for everyday use or want to conceal the unsightly accessories of your tank, there is a storage feature that will work. Smaller storage drawers, cabinets, and shelves offer a helpful place to put fish food and cleaning materials. Larger cabinets can hold filters, heaters, or cords.

Size

One of the most important things to consider when selecting the right fish tank stand is the size of your tank and what the stand can support. You should consider both the weight and dimensions. First, make sure that the stand can support the weight of your fish tank, including the water. Most fish tank stands include in their description how much they can support, such as a 10-gallon or 20-gallon tank. They are designed based on the weight of a filled tank of that size.

It’s also important to know the dimensions, especially if you have a non-standard-sized tank. The edges of your fish tank should not extend over the edge of the stand. This can cause the stand to be unstable and potentially tip. Many fish tank stands have a lip on the edge to keep the tank secure.

The Different Types of Fish Tank Stands: Pros and Cons Compared

The basic design of fish tank stands is often similar between tanks but there are two main types that you can consider. It is helpful to know the pros and cons of each type before deciding.

Open Stand

Stand with Storage

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