Is a fish tank of 55-gallons considered to be an ideal size for homes? Well, for most people, this size certainly isn’t very huge. I mean it’s huge enough for keeping a hoard of smaller fish. Or for keeping the aggressive kind of African Cichlids. It’s also a great size for housing big fish. However, factors like weight and size of the tank matter. In the case of a 55-gallon aquarium, you require a 48×18 aquarium stand. It’s the best 55-gallon fish tank aquarium stand.
Because, with water, an aquarium of this size weighs around 550 pounds. All the more reason to place it on something strong and stable. You can’t use a flimsy shelf or table at such times; it’s just not safe.
That in mind, it’s time for me to tell you all about ready-made stands, 55-gallon fish aquariums, and 55-gallon fish tank stands…
Table of Contents
The Benefits of Using Ready-Made Stands
A proper stand for your beautiful home aquarium is a must. In the sense that it solves the biggest issue of where to place the fish tank. But this is only applicable if you get the most suitable one. That means looking for an aquarium stand specifically designed for 55-gallon fish tanks. So you know, for sure, that the equipment can handle the heavyweight.
The dimensions have to be on-point for the job. This brings into the picture the material of your fish tank. Is it made of acrylic or glass? In the case of the latter, a readymade stand is the most useful. It provides enough support for your aquarium’s outer edges. However, with acrylic, bottom support is needed. That spans along the entire length and width of the tank.
But I shall get into more specific details about this later on in the article.
The Drawbacks of Using Ready-Made Stands
What’s the most common complaint here? That you have to shell out money. However, there is plenty of affordable aquarium stands as well. Nevertheless, you probably don’t want to spend money because your pet is just a hobby. On top of that, you have no idea how to go about choosing the right fish tank stand. But after reading this article, that’s about to change.
Spending a little bit of effort and time into getting to know all about aquarium stands is not such a big deal. All you have to do is take into consideration the needs of your home aquarium. Along with the interior design of your home. And then decide what kind and size of a stand you need.
Speaking of which, here’s a relevant topic…
The Different Types of Aquarium Stands
There’s not just one standard version of fish tank stands. In fact, there are 3 different types of stands. The list includes metal, wood, and mixed media. So it’s time to talk about each one…
1. Metal Aquarium Stands
It’s the most common and popular. And that’s all because it’s the most affordable option. Metal stands are crafted for supporting the edges of the fish tank. Therefore, these are the most suitable for the glass version of aquariums. And not the acrylic fish tanks.
When buying a metal aquarium stand, be sure to get one that’s corrosion-resistant. This should be your #1 priority. Otherwise, the chances of the stand getting wet are pretty high. It can even rust, which is also a major problem. You don’t want everything to come crashing down, right?
One other thing you should know about metal fish tank stands is this. They don’t offer any storage space. So there’s no room to store all the extra aquarium equipment. This implies you may have to buy another stand or table for placing the fish tank accessories.
2. Wood Aquarium Stands
Wood is also quite popular. It’s very much like you’re buying a piece of furniture for your home. On top of that, the wood fish tank stands to go well with most items of furniture in a room. But what’s more important is that wood aquarium stands are the best for acrylic fish tanks. Thanks to all the bottom support they provide.
The most appealing advantage of wood stands is that they’re built with drawers and cabinets. That means you get the storage space you require for fish tank accessories.
Another very distinct advantage is that wood stands come in a wide range of finishes and styles. So you get to choose one based on your room’s interior design.
And now here’s the other side of the coin. With wood, concerns about the material getting wet are a part of the experience. In that case, you should select a finish that can tolerate getting wet regularly.
That said, wood stands are built with either medium-density fiberboard or particleboard. The latter, no doubt, doesn’t build high-quality aquarium stands. At the same time, they cannot handle high moisture. So if these types of wood stand get wet on a regular basis. Then the chances of the equipment falling apart eventually are very likely.
What does this mean? That MDF (medium-density fiberboard) is a way better option. And that explains why high-quality wood stands are comparatively more expensive. Than their metal counterparts.
3. Mixed Media Aquarium Stands
These types of fish tank stands offer wood support. The metal construction is for the stand’s locking fasteners. And that means mixed media stands are good for supporting acrylic fish tanks. But, obviously, you have to pay more for this.
There’s actually another fourth type of aquarium stand. It’s made using special plastics. Then there are laminate and acrylic stands too. That can tolerate water pretty well. In fact, these pair up well with fish tanks to make the latter look more appealing visually. However, they’re not as common as metal, wood, and mixed media.
The Proper Placement of Home Aquariums
Basic aquarium placement rules should be kept in mind. Be it for a 55-gallon fish tank aquarium stand or 10-gallon fish tank stand. You cannot keep your aquarium in direct sunlight. Nor should you place them near vents. In short, any place that experiences rapid temperature changes is not suitable for aquarium placement.
At the same time, keep your fish tank away from loudspeakers, heavy foot traffic, doors, etc. Constant activity and noise tend to stress them out. Also, the aquarium stand placement is supposed to be near the power outlet. And near a water source and drain as well.
As in the case of the placement of a 55-gallon aquarium stand, there are special concerns. And that’s because of the weight and dimensions. Just make sure you don’t place it in the center of your room. As it might lead to the sagging of the floor. The tank has to be placed next to a wall, a weight-bearing one.
Choosing the Best 55-gallon Fish Tank Aquarium Stand
The following are the factors you should take into consideration when buying an aquarium stand for a 55-gallon fish tank…
#1 Size of the Tank
This is the first thing you should be taking into account. It’s the best way to narrowing down your options. The size of your aquarium means how many gallons of water is the stand going to hold. Every stand comes with its own specific volume-holding capacity.
So you have to think about the size of the tank. You can’t buy a cheaper priced model that supports a tank of 20 gallons. It’s just not going to work with a 55-gallon size. Larger tank size and smaller aquarium stand combination are only going to place your pet fish at risk.
#2 Acrylic or Glass
Needless to say, the media the aquarium is built with has an impact on the stand you choose. For a glass-made 55-gallon fish tank, a stand with only edge support is enough.
On the other hand, for acrylic aquariums, the stand should be able to support the whole bottom region of the fish tank.
#3 Type of Stand
I have already talked about this at length. But for the sake of choosing the best aquarium stand for a 55-gallon fish tank. Let me discuss the two most common types of stands.
Metal stands are the most popular. And, at the same time, the least expensive in comparison to wood stands. The metal version is perfect for glass aquariums. It does an excellent job of supporting the tank edges.
You just have to make sure the metal used is corrosion-resistant. Otherwise, rust takes control. And then the stand becomes prone to falling apart.
Also, metal stands lack storage. Unlike their wood counterparts. With wood stands, you can store your aquarium sump or canister filter. Because they’re built with cabinets and drawers for storing accessories.
This explains why wood stands are a better choice. Particularly if your aquarium is made of acrylic. Also, wood is available in many finishes and styles. You only have to ensure that whichever wood design you pick is powder-coated and moisture-resistant. So the stand can handle water without undergoing damage.
#4 Design Style and Location
I’m sure you already know that a tank sized 55-gallons weighs nearly 550 pounds with water. This means placing it in a spot that can hold up this kind of weight. So the center of the room is not on that list. Because the middle part of the room is only going to cause floor sagging. Instead, place the tank near the support beam. That is next to a weight-bearing wall.
And then comes the interior design of your room. Get a stand, if your budget allows, that goes with the rest of your home decorations and furniture.
#5 Price
In terms of cost, metal aquarium stands are cheaper, thus more affordable. In comparison to the ones made of wood. However, you cannot buy metal if your fish tank is acrylic. In that case, only wood stands work the best.
At the same time, avoid purchasing something cheap. Because it is more likely that the cheaper priced models cannot resist water. And that means creating an unsafe, risky situation at home. Accidental falls should be avoided at all costs, literally.
Why Buy An Aquarium Stand for A 55-gallon Fish Tank?
Because It Ensures Safety
When you get an appropriate fish tank stand, you’re opting for safety. The safety of your pet fish and the aquarium equipment. Whatever the case, a factor like this should not be overlooked. Buying a stand equipped with all requirements is necessary. Requirements such as withstanding water and supporting the 550-pound weight of the tank.
Because It Looks Visually Appealing
Your beautiful, colorful aquarium on a proper stand is certainly going to look better. And if you’re buying a wood stand. Then the natural color of the wood is bound to blend well with most interior designs.
That said, don’t choose something that’s too colorful. You don’t want the stand to draw attention away from your fish and their natural habitat.
Specific Features to Look for In A 55-gallon Fish Tank Aquarium Stand
#1 Solidity
It should be solid, thus not made of cheap materials. In that case, go for medium-density fiberboard wood stands, and not particle board. Even though the latter is comparatively lighter and less expensive.
#2 Rust and Moisture Resistance
If it’s metal, then it should be corrosion resistance treated.
As for wood, there are many high-quality options that are also treated. For accommodating occasional water without getting damaged. The wood should be treated using a dark powder coating. This brings into play moisture resistance.
#3 Adjustable Feet
Good stands come with adjustable feet. When your aquarium is leveled, there are fewer chances of water damage and cracks.
But is your choice of fish tank stand not built with adjustable feet? Then here’s how you can get the job done yourself…
HOW TO: Level an Aquarium
The End – How to Choose the Best 55-Gallon Fish Tank Aquarium?
So now you know how much the size of your tank really matters. It’s only logical to avoid buying an aquarium stand that’s too small or too big.
This means if you have a 55-gallon fish tank, then the stand should be able to hold 550 pounds of weight. Anything smaller sized and you’re running the risk of accidental falls. And anything larger is just going to take up more space and money.
And once you find the perfect size of the aquarium stand, what about storage? If this factor is one of your priorities, then go for wood stands. Speaking of which, they’re perfect for acrylic fish tanks as well. Unlike the metal ones that only support glass tanks.