Is this a good stand?

Fish Hobbyist · Jan 31, 2021

I found a desk that I think might work, but idk if it's sturdy...
I'm kinda on a budget and need something under, say, 50 US dollars. Walmart has this 'Go Green' brand desk that looks promising to me. I need it for my 20 gallon, which will be scaped with large rocks. Here is a screenshot of the desk in question.

Colin_T · Jan 31, 2021

No, I would not trust that for an aquarium.

Avoid stands that are made from laminated particle board. They are weak and unstable.

If you know someone who does welding, you could make a metal stand for $50, maybe less.

Flushable Pets · Jan 31, 2021

I agree with Colin_T. A 20 gallon aquarium will weigh a good 225+# when filled. I weigh around that much and I'd never attempt to put my full weight on that stand. For around the same price you can get a stand designed for the tank from Petco/Petsmart.

Utar · Jan 31, 2021

If you really what to go cheap for an aquarium stand get a few cinder blocks, the kind with the two big holes, and some boards. Many people have done this without issues. Be sure the boards are at least 2x4's and not thin boards like bed slats.

Fish Hobbyist · Feb 1, 2021

Hm. Okay. This is frustrating. I guess I'm back to square 1... Is there anywhere I can get a used one online? There's not much around me, so I'll have to order something. My entire budget after buying the tank and filter is $180. I still have to buy about a dozen things...

Metalhead88 · Feb 1, 2021

What about building your own stand? A couple 2x4's and some screws will get the job done.

I would also highly recommend against that "stand"

You may find one used, but it'll be hard to find someone selling only the stand for such a specific sized tank.

Building your own stand is probably your best option.....certainly the cheapest.

Flushable Pets · Feb 1, 2021

Do you have a local thrift store or Facebook marketplace? You can often find old real wood or metal stands/furniture that you can re-purpose and clean up for cheap. Otherwise, some good old cheap 2x4s and a sack of deck screws might be the way to go. If you are going to use substrate, don't buy the stuff from a pet store. Get a bag of pool filter sand or play sand or gravel from a hardware store. That will save you a lot.

Another option are wire racks like this. Pretty much any hardware store or Walmart will carry them. It'll say right on the box how much they can hold and dimensions of the shelves. It might be a good idea to lay down a piece of plywood or MDF to help evenly distribute the weight if you go this route.

Fish Hobbyist · Feb 1, 2021

Flushable Pets said:
Do you have a local thrift store or Facebook marketplace? You can often find old real wood or metal stands/furniture that you can re-purpose and clean up for cheap. Otherwise, some good old cheap 2x4s and a sack of deck screws might be the way to go. If you are going to use substrate, don't buy the stuff from a pet store. Get a bag of pool filter sand or play sand or gravel from a hardware store. That will save you a lot.

Another option are wire racks like this. Pretty much any hardware store or Walmart will carry them. It'll say right on the box how much they can hold and dimensions of the shelves. It might be a good idea to lay down a piece of plywood or MDF to help evenly distribute the weight if you go this route.
View attachment 128134

That's actually a pretty good idea. I saw an aquarium stand kinda like this at my local pet store. I just didn't think it'll be able to distribute the weight good enough. But maybe I'll get one of those stands like this and then lay a peice of plywood down under it. That's a good idea. Thank you so much!

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Is this a good stand?

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