Safest and most durable aquarium stands

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1commander

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Sep 22, 2007
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Georgia
I want to buy a pre-made stand for a 110g x-high aquarium. I currently have a particle board stand and it seems like it might give at any moment. Basically, I am looking for the most durable, safest, long lasting aquarium stand I can buy. The price is not important. Please list suppliers, recommended brands, and websites if you know them!

I know NOTHING about this. For example, is wood better than metal? All I know is that my particle board stand is not looking good, and I am getting afraid of sticking my head underneath the tank.

Thanks a lot.
 
if you can find one, I prefer tubular steel stands. they will out last the tank and are very strong and hold up very well over time.

as far as premade stands, the ones made by Aqueon or Marineland that are pine are okay, but the problem with them is they are only held together by staples and wood glue, so I don't know how they will hold up 15 years down the line if you have a big heavy tank.

I know the steel ones last and last, I had some 20 years and they were still going strong. they need a surface touch up every few years due to light surface rust, but thats easy. Structurally they would take a lifetime to rust right through for a freshwater tank..

here is a link to a pic of my stand for my 150g.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3003052&postcount=18

we still cant post pics so you have to follow the link
 
Most Pet Shops can special order higher end stands & canopies... I would stop by a couple and ask them about it and see if they have a magazine or website you can pick one on... then do your reseach to make sure it's what you are looking for... then negotiate a price...

You will get much more personal service shopping at a privately owned shop than at a chain store...
 
You should probably go with a pine or metal stand from your tank mfg assuming it's not custom. Metal is more durable but is more likely to damage the floor. Metal stand have discrete load distribution four 4,6 or 8 legs, wood distributes it more evenly. Given the cost of shipping it might be better to get it at your LFS if possible.

I have a Pine stand on my 265.
 
Metal stand have discrete load distribution four 4,6 or 8 legs, wood distributes it more evenly
Click to expand...

good point. for me, my basement is slab concrete with a thin subfloor, so the legs pushing through the flooring was not an issue since it is concrete underneath...still, I made 'feet' for the stand to help minimize the puncture force anyway..

however, it will be if your on an above ground level floor.

a 110 tall is a lot of concentrated weight..
 
I'm not really worried about damaging the floor, although of course I would like to minimize it. I am worried about my kids getting hurt if the stand collapses, and just want it to be safe in the long term. I had not considered having the iron puncture the floor, but would it help to have a slab of wood beneath the entire aquarium, supporting the 4 corners?

If metal is more durable than wood, I would get that. I imagine that steel is the best that you can buy, and tubular steel is better than simply have steel planks, right?

Does anyone have any recommendation as to where to buy steel stands?

Thank you all for your help so far!
 
the company that makes my steel stand that is sold all over canada is here:

http://www.hamiltonmanufacturing.ca/

but I dont know if they ship, or if they are available at any of the Big Als stores in the states (ie Florida)

all the big als stores in Canada have them.

its worth a shot if you want a steel one.

or you could get a local fabricating company to build you a steel one..
 
get stainless steel if you get steel. if salt is involved in your tank definitely go wood, as even stainless will rust after a couple years covered in salt splashes.

personally i would go to your lfs(non chain) and ask if they have a guy that does there stand and canopies. im really of the belief a stand you make out of 2x4 or 4x4's is better then 99% of the premade stands.
 
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