Selecting the best fish tank stand may not have been high on your list when you decided to create an aquarium. Even so, it's an important consideration and one that will, sooner rather than later, be something you will consider. After all, a decent stand is going to offer a stable base upon which to sit your tank and this will keep your finned friends safe and secure.
There are lots of options on the market and it may be worth thinking about a stand at the same time as you invest in the best fish tanks – that way, you can be sure of a good match and take into account the strength of the stand that you're going to need. If you're in the market for one of the best small fish tanks, for example, then an inexpensive, basic four-legged stand will suffice but do consider storage space too. Stands with drawers and shelves will cost a little more but they're certainly practical.
Likewise, if you've decided to buy one of the best tropical fish tanks, their sheer size and weight means you'll need to think carefully about whether a stand will support its weight. Stands for these large tanks often give you a way of hiding a mass of cabling and they'll have a lot of storage space for fish food and the other essential equipment needed to keep fish. Given you're likely to be displaying your fish tank in the main areas of your home, this makes for an attractive, tidy option.
But what materials should you be considering? Well, it's always a bonus if a stand looks great and, in this respect, nothing really beats wood which can add a touch of sophistication to your home. Wood will need a lot of polish to remain looking good, though, so if you want a material that's easier to maintain, consider steel. It's far easier to clean but it also scratches more easily and doesn't always look as attractive.
With all of that in mind, though, it's time to take the plunge. Here we select the best fish tank stands for 2023 and we're sure there's one for all situations and budgets.
PetRadar's pick of the best fish tank stands
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This large Pets at Home fish tank stand is gorgeous and would look great in any home, especially if you want to make your aquarium a feature. Made from sturdy wood, this fish tank stand can hold aquariums up to 125 litres, and it’s the perfect height for admiring your fish when sat down.
We love the warm walnut finish that contrasts nicely with a lit-up tank. For an aquarium of this size, you are likely to want lots of accessories to go with it. This fish tank stand has storage space underneath for any products, fish food and accessories, which can be hidden away nicely by the double doors. Overall, this is a quality product that is built to last.
Display your fish tank in style without breaking the bank with this modern Wave Coated Wood Cabinet. This is a quality item which will make a welcome addition to any fish lover's home, but with the price tag of a much less impressive looking stand.
This open-plan cabinet measuring 60x32x70 cm is strong enough to take the weight of most medium and large aquariums. It's designed to match up with rectangular 60-liter rectangular aquariums, but reviewers have pointed out that it has supported their 70-litre tanks without any issues. For a perfect marriage you can pair it with aquariums from the Wave Riviera and Basic range, but it's suitable for similar shaped tanks too.
If you are looking for a stand with storage there is a shelf as part of the design, but remember that what you put on it will be in plain view. You may not want to spoil its contemporary look with old packets of opened fish food, but it's there if you need it. Overall, this is a great inexpensive yet attractive stand that will make a great feature in any home.
If you’re not looking for anything too comprehensive, then this black fish tank stand from Tetra is simple and reliable. Black suits almost any home decor and this stand is sturdy enough to hold a tank of up to 80 litres.
While it looks fairly small, this fish tank actually has a generous amount of concealed storage in the middle, with height adjustable shelves so you can tailor it to your liking. Here you can discreetly tuck away fish food and other accessories.
Users found this product easy to assemble, but recommend putting some cushioning under this fish tank stand to provide stability and protect your flooring.
This fish tank stand is designed for classic biorb fish tanks, and while it might seem simple, users say the stand is super sturdy and really makes their biorb a feature in their home. It doesn’t have any storage space, but this would be the perfect size for supporting your fish tank in smaller spaces such as bedrooms or kitchens.
The stand is made from MDF and users found it easy to assemble. However, this stand may not be suitable for saltwater tanks due to the temperature, which could make the wood damp.
For those with smaller tanks, this is a sleek and stylish cabinet that can make your tank look the part. It looks high quality with its walnut wooden sides and top, and a contrasting black gloss cabinet door.
However, if you prefer to mix it up, the door is reversible so that the entire unit becomes matching walnut. This product comes flat packed and is easy to assemble and will hold a tank of up to 28 liters. It’s suitable for coldwater tanks, but if you add a heater to this stand, it can become suitable for tropical fish tanks too.
The curvy and compact design of this fish tank stand makes it a stylish addition to any room. It has a wide and sturdy top surface with a thickness of 1.5cm. This stand can hold a tank of up to 57 liters, but of course, you can place smaller tanks on this unit too.
The four feet keep it sturdy on any surface and its shelf makes two large open compartments at the front, which can either be used for fish tank storage or any other type of storage. This single unit design would suit smaller rooms and comes in both black and white to suit your style preferences.
If you're looking for a strong and sturdy stand that can easily accommodate a 40-gallon tank, then this durable steel option with its sleek and modern design is well worth considering.
Measuring 36.5 x 18.5 x 29.5 inches and weighing 32.15 pounds, it features adjustable feet for leveling before you add your tank and it's also super easy to assemble with just a few bolts going in each corner.
One thing worth noting is that the steel is easily scratched, so you'll want to be careful putting your tank on top and there's no solid self for storage. But aside from those two minor drawbacks, this is an incredibly well designed, high quality fish tank stand that will last you for years to come.
How to buy the best fish tank stand
So what do you need to look out for when buying a fish tank stand? Depending on the size of the tank, the material you choose for your fish tank stand is important.
Most stands are made from MDF, plywood or metal. Most wooden stands are ideal for pretty much any size tank, but it’s important to check the durability of the material if you have a saltwater fish tank. Some woods may not be suitable, as the humidity in the tank can erode wood over time.
You should also think about the size and height of the fish tank stand depending on where you want to put it. Wider and shorter stands are great for living rooms as the fish will be at eye level when you are sitting down, while taller, narrower stands are great for bedrooms or kitchens where you may be short on space.
If you don’t like clutter, we recommend choosing a fish tank stand with plenty of cupboard space beneath for discreet storage options.
