A dedicated fish tank stand is essential when planning and stocking your 55 gallon fish tank. Trying to safely incorporate a 625 pounds aquarium into your home décor can be tricky without the right support.
Not only does a 55-gallon aquarium stand provide a sturdy and level foundation for your fish tank, but it also serves as a way to show it off as a beautiful focal point in your home.
With the rise in people living with colorful ornamental fishes [1] and the growing popularity of 55-gallon fish tanks among aquarists, there are now more options available when it comes to choosing the perfect stand for your needs.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of 55 gallon fish tank stands, their importance, a few of the best options on the market, as well as some fun DIY ideas.
Why a 55 Gallon Aquarium Stand Is Necessary?
Whether you’re just getting started with your first fish tank, every fish keeper is responsible for adhering to the basic rules of fishkeeping.
One of the most often overlooked but critical rules is to never place an aquarium on a surface that can’t support the weight. I am talking about more than just the empty weight, which for a 55-gallon tank is already close to 80 pounds.
You also need to factor in the weight of water, gravel, decorations, and any additional equipment like filter systems and heaters. When fully filled, a 55-gallon fish tank can easily weigh more than 625 pounds!
Most times, you can put small tanks in your kitchen cabinets. After all, KCMA (Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association) certified cabinets [2] can safely hold up to 600 pounds (272 kg) of weight.
A 55 gallons fish tank is simply too big and too heavy to be placed on any type of surface without an aquarium stand designed specifically for that size tank.
| Table | Maximum Load |
|---|---|
| Coffee table | 300 lbs (136 kg) |
| Computer table | 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| Folding Dining table | 440 lbs (200 kg) |
| Workbench | 440 lbs (200 kg) |
| Dining table | 330 lbs (150 kg) |
| Dining bench | 550 lbs (250 kg) |
In addition to the issue of weight, consider the need to level a large fish tank. The uneven ground surface will introduce strain (often referred to as stress) on the seams, which causes all sorts of problems like leaks and cracked tanks.
Guidelines & Mistakes for Choosing a 55-Gallon Aquarium Stand
There is no golden rule to consider when choosing a tank stand, and it’s really a matter of several factors that you need to take into account, such as the location, your furniture styles, your budget, and the amount of storage space you need.
In my experience, here are the four useful planning guidelines and mistakes to avoid that can help you make the best decision.
Mistake #1: Haven’t Decided Where to Put it Yet
The excitement of purchasing a new or used 55-gallon aquarium can quickly become a headache when you realize that you don’t have a clue where to put it.
This is actually one of the most common mistakes new owners make and the reason why many beautiful fish tanks end up in storage or, even worse, getting sold at a fraction of the price.
To avoid: Carefully pick a safe location in your home before you buy the fish tank stand. Virtually all potential risks of 55-gallon fish tanks or any other larger aquarium can be traced to weight.
Additionally, once the fully filled tank has been properly situated, it’s not going to be an easy task to move it.
Mistake #2: The Measurement is Not Accurate
A 55 gallon aquarium is not a small investment, and neither is the stand. The last thing you want to do is come home with your brand new fish tank stand only to find out that it doesn’t fit in the tank you had planned.
To avoid: Measure twice, write it down, and take it with you when shopping for a stand. More than that, consider accessibility to equipment, electricity, and water outlets in and around the aquarium.
Mistake #3: Not Considering the Aquarium Materials
The materials of your tank will play a role in the actual weight of the aquarium. Acrylic and glass are two of the most popular aquarium materials, but glass aquariums are about twice as heavy as acrylic aquariums.
That being said, a glass aquarium will add a lot of weight on a tank stand than acrylic, so ensure your stand can handle it.
Also, due to the weight of different aquarium materials, the aquarium stand must be constructed in a way that can evenly distribute the weight of the fish tank. This is particularly important whether you’re going to purchase commercially available stands or make your own.
For example, if you have an acrylic tank, you need to support the entire bottom of the tank because it’s flexible and not so durable. While a glass tank only needs to be supported around the rim.
To avoid: It’s wise always to go full bottom support when setting up large tanks. Make sure the surface is smooth; an aquarium leveling mat can help with this.
Mistake #4: Don’t Overlook the Materials of the Aquarium Stand
Don’t forget about the material your fish tank stand is made from. The most standard materials are plywood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and metal.
To support the weight of a 55 gallons fish tank, it’s best to stick with plywood and metal. Many store-bought stands are made from MDF, a cheaper alternative to plywood but not as strong or durable, and tend to sag over time from moisture.
Wood and metal have their downsides – wood may warp, and metal will rust – but both are much more structurally sound.
To avoid: If you have a budget, aluminum stands are a great option because they don’t rust, are lightweight, and offer full bottom support.
Best Commercial 55 Gallon Fish Tank Stands
With so many options on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. To help narrow down your choices, here is a list of the best 55-gallon fish tank stands specially designed to hold your aquarium.
Best Value for Money: Aquatic Fundamentals Metal Aquarium Stand
- With dimensions of 48.3" width, 12.5" depth, and 27.8" height, this stand is versatile enough to fit many...
- Capable of supporting aquariums up to 550 pounds, this stand ensures the safety and stability of your...
- Designed to withstand the humid conditions of an aquarium environment, this stand features a...
- Assembly is hassle-free and straightforward
- Aquarium not included
While this stand doesn’t come with storage, the thing I like the most about it is its delicate metal design which makes it stand out.
It’s available in black, and it has a powder-coated finish that resists moisture.
Perhaps the best feature of this stand is the price. It’s very affordable, and it’s a great value for the quality.
| Material | Metal, Steel |
| Dimensions | 48.”L x 12.5″ W x 27.8″ H |
| Pros | Power Coated Metal Frame Rust Resistant Easy to assemble Stylish design Good value for the price |
| Cons | No hardware kits |
Heavy Duty Metal Stand: Imagitarium Brooklyn
The Imagitarium Brooklyn metal tank stand is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a stylish and durable solid steel stand for their 55 gallons glass aquarium. This stand is made of metal and features adjustable feet for leveling.
It is easy to assemble and looks great in any room. The only downside is that some fish keepers have reported that the top supports are not perfectly level, which is risky for your fish tank.
Overall, this is a great stand that is sure to last you for years to come!
| Material | Metal |
| Dimensions | 48.5″L x 13.5″ W x 29.5″ H |
| Pros | Made with durable solid steel Sleek and modern design Features adjustable feet for leveling |
| Cons | The top layer is not flat |
High-End Wood Aquarium Stand: Aquatic Fundamentals
- Tank size holding Capacity: 55 gallon
- Product Dimensions: 49.37" L x 13.12" W x 28.25" H
- 2 front doors make for easy access and ample storage for pumps, filters and food
- The back of the stand is open except for a single support brace; this lets your conveniently route cords...
- Made in the USA
Are you looking for an elegant and functional aquarium stand that will make a great addition to your home? If so, then you’ll want to check out this beautiful cabinet aquarium stand with plenty of storage.
This stand has 2 front doors so you can easily store all of your aquarium equipment. The open back also makes it easy to access your filter and plug in your electronics.
This stand is the perfect way to display your aquarium in style and is easy to assemble. Although it’s solid, waterproof, well made, and looks great, it’s made of MDF and particleboard, not solid wood.
| Material | Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) |
| Dimensions | 49.37″ L x 13.12″ W x 28.25″ H |
| Pros | Easy to assemble Modern design Ample storage Easy to access |
| Cons | Design changed No Instructions were included |
Alternative: Fluval Premium 55 Gallon Aquarium Kit Cabinet Stand
The Fluval Aquarium Cabinet Stand is a great choice for those who have a Fluval 55 aquarium kit and are looking for a perfectly sized stand.
This stand is also made of MDF and particleboard. It comes with polished steel handles and ample storage space for equipment.
| Material | Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) |
| Dimensions | 48.78″ L x 13.25″ W x 26″ H |
| Pros | Easy to assemble Modern design Ample storage |
| Cons | May not available in your region |
Alternative: Ollie & Hutch Farmington 55 Gallon Aquarium Stand
- Get an aquarium stand that fits your needs with the Ollie & Hutch Farmington 55 Gallon Aquarium Stand
- Made of laminated MDF and particleboard, the weathered off-white finish gives the Stand a rustic look
- The Stand can support aquariums up to 55 gallons and features an open back to make attaching tank...
- The 2 shelves behind each of the 2 doors can hold all of your nets, cleaning equipment, and food
- The Stand ships flat to your door and 2 adults are recommended to assemble. Stand can support 55 gallon...
The Farmington 55 Gallon Aquarium Stand from Ollie & Hutch is a great option in terms of style and function. This beautiful stand is made of laminated MDF and particleboard, taking on a weathered off-white finish.
It has two doors and removable shelves for storing equipment. The cabinet stand is easy to assemble and comes at a great price.
| Material | MDF and particleboard |
| Dimensions | 50″ L x 19.68″ W x 29.2″ H |
| Pros | Easy to assemble Stylish Roomy and sturdy |
| Cons | Poor packing materials |
DIY 55 Gallon Fish Tank Stand
As you can see, those store-bought stands can get pretty pricey, making it even harder on our wallets. If you’re on a budget or want to build a sturdy solid wood fish tank stand that will last for years, you can always build your own 55-gallon fish tank stand!
We’ve put together a list of our favorite DIY fish tank stand ideas to help get you inspired.
DIY 50 Gallon Cinder Block Aquarium Stand
Let’s start with the cheapest and easiest option on our list, the cinder block aquarium stand. This stand is made out of 9 cinder blocks, one sheet of plywood, and four 2x4s the length of the plywood, making it extremely cheap and easy to build.
Comprehensive construction details can be found here: Random Bits of Projects
55 Gallon Aquarium Stand Woodworking Plan (Beginner)
If you never worked with wood before but are feeling adventurous, this homemade 55-gallon aquarium stand woodworking plan from Joshua Sachs is a great place to start.
This video walks you through the entire process of building a sturdy stand for your 55 gallon aquarium, from start to finish. You’ll learn how to select the right lumber, cut it to size, and assemble it using basic carpentry techniques.
DIY Corner Fish Tank Stand with Canopy
A corner fish tank is a great way to personalize your aquarium to complement your home décor. However, finding a premade stand that fits properly in the corner can be difficult.
If you’re handy with woodworking and want to create a custom corner fish tank stand with a canopy, there are many basic designs posted on Reef Central to get you started.
How to Build a Stand for Two 55-Gallon Fish Tanks
Next on our list is the DIY Double 55 Gallon Stand by Trafish Aquatics. This cool aquarium rack is great for those who want to create a custom setup with different Aquascaping in each tank or for breeders. This design allows you to access everything when you need to, making maintenance a breeze.
DIY Dual 55 Gallon Metal Aquarium Rack
This Double or Triple metal Aquarium Rack by FishyReview is a simple but strong design that will hold multiple 55-gallon freshwater or saltwater aquariums. The builder of this rack also chose to paint it for extra durability and protection against corrosion.
Make an Aquarium Cabinet with a Door
Finally, we have this aquarium cabinet stand with doors by Instructables user jhawkins14. This is actually a functional and stylish piece of furniture that will display your aquarium beautifully while keeping all your equipment hidden away.
This design is a bit more involved than the others on our list, but the author provides a detailed materials list and instructions, so if you’re feeling ambitious, this is a great project to tackle.
Frequently Asked Questions About 55-gallon Fish Tank Stand
Below are a few questions we’ve heard a lot over the years. If you still have any other questions, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
How much does it cost to build a 55-gallon fish tank stand?
The cost of building a 55-gallon fish tank stand will depend on the materials you use and the design you choose. However, you can expect to spend around $30-$150 on the project.
Can You Put a 55-gallon Fish Tank Upstairs?
Yes, a 55 gallons fish tank weighs 625 lb (283 kg), which is well within the weight limit for most floors. If you have more than two tanks, I strongly advise you to keep them far enough apart to spread the load.
Can a 55-gallon Stand Hold a 75 Gallon Tank?
A 55 gallon aquarium measures 13” (33 cm) in depth, while a 75-gallon aquarium measures 18” (45.7 cm) in depth. So, you can’t put a 75-gallon tank on a 55-gallon stand without some modification.
Will a TV Stand Hold a 55-gallon Fish Tank?
Most TV stands can hold up a maximum weight of 135 lbs, while a filled 55 gallon aquarium weighs 625 lbs. So, DO NOT put your 55 gallon fish tank on a TV stand!
Article Sources:
- Ornamental Fish Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product [GrandviewResearch]
- Peace of mind that your cabinetry is tested and trustworthy [KCMA]
