If you’re ready to start your own aquarium, then you’ll need to set up a space for it in your home. It can be dangerous and inconvenient to just allow your aquarium to sit on the floor which is why you need an aquarium stand to support it.
In this article...
Aquarium stands come in a wide range of sizes, styles, and materials, so you need to choose yours wisely.
This article will cover some of the best 10-gallon fish tank stands.
After considering all the options our top picks were…
Results Summary
When it comes to deciding which product is perfect for your aquarium, the number of options out there can be overwhelming. Certain tank stands work better for different fishkeepers. So, here are some of the best 10-gallon aquarium stands for different categories including the best overall, the most affordable, and the editor’s choice.
This stand is suitable for 10-gallon fish tanks and 20-gallon fish tanks and it can withstand 240 pounds or less. It is a cabinet-style stand that has open shelves to place decorations on and a concealed cabinet space to keep any aquarium supplies in.
Best-All Rounder: Ameriwood Aquarium Stand
Overall, the best 10-gallon tank stand is the Ameriwood Aquarium Stand. It has practical storage space and a modern look that is great for the affordable price.
Imagitarium Newport Wooden Tank Stand
This simple wooden stand design is perfect for fishkeepers looking for a durable stand at an affordable price. It has a smooth, modern design with two open shelves below the aquarium.
Best on a Budget: Imagitarium Newport Wooden Tank Stand
The Imagitarium Newport Wooden Tank Stand is the most affordable 10-gallon aquarium stand option. For a low price, you get a durable stand that even has two shelves for storage space.
The Aqueon Forge Stand is made specifically to hold a 10-gallon fish tank and it has a lower shelf that can hold a 5.5 gallon fish tank if needed. Otherwise, the lower shelf can simply serve as a storage space for aquarium supplies or possibly even decorations.
Editor’s Choice: Aqueon Forge Aquarium Stand
The Aqueon Forge Stand is the editor’s choice because even though it’s a higher price, it is extremely sturdy and practical. Its design is perfect for fishkeepers that are interested in keeping a smaller tank on the same stand.
What to Know About 10-Gallon Aquarium Stands
Now that you’ve decided to have an aquarium of your own, it’s time to select the perfect stand to put it on. A stand might seem like a simple supply, but there is a wide variety of tank stands out there and it has a huge effect on the appearance of your aquarium.
How to Choose the Best 10-Gallon Fish Tank Stand
While a big part of choosing the perfect aquarium stand is the style and appearance of it, there are certainly some stands that are better quality than others.
Tank Size
First of all, you need to take the size of your fish tank into consideration. The tank should be able to comfortably fit on top of the aquarium stand without having any edges unsupported.
The tank should be able to comfortably fit on top of the aquarium stand without having any edges unsupported…
If you choose a stand that’s too small, your tank could be at risk of falling. Also, if your tank is far too small for the stand, the stand could become unbalanced, especially if it is a lower quality option.
Tank Weight
Also, the weight of your aquarium is a huge factor. Aquariums are often heavier than people think, so new fishkeepers will sometimes purchase stands that are not built to support their aquariums. Aquarium stands are built specifically to hold the weight of an aquarium while most furniture pieces are not.
TIP
Aquarium stands will always tell you their dimensions and the size of the aquarium that they’re made to hold. Pay close attention to these details when selecting your stand.
Water Resistance
Water can get onto your stand from time to time, so you’ll want to find a stand that is water resistant. That way, the stand won’t get ruined if water happens to get on it. If the stand is made of unfinished wood or uncoated metal, it can easily be damaged even by small amounts of water.
Attributes That Differentiate Fish Tank Stands
The main thing that sets aquarium stands apart from each other is what they look like and the material that they’re made out of.
Style of Fish Tank Stand
Most stands are either a basic or cabinet style, which are typically made out of either wood or metal. Both mediums can be easily damaged by water, so it is important to make sure that they are sealed properly before using them with your aquarium.
Simple Stand Vs. Cabinet Style
Oftentimes, people will choose a simple stand style because it’s generally cheaper, but that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily the best option. Cabinet styles are usually the better choice because they offer space to keep your aquarium supplies.
Sure, you could easily put your aquarium items somewhere else, but it’s more convenient to have it all in the cabinets of the stand. Open shelves also work well if you don’t mind that the supplies can be seen.
Height of the Stand
Different styles of tank stands also come in different heights. If your stand is too high or too low, it could be hard to see your fish. For example, if your aquarium is near a seating area, you should make sure that it is easy to view the fish while sitting down. You want to make sure you select a design that allows you to easily view your fish at a comfortable level.
Custom, Store-Bought, and DIY Stands
When it comes to choosing a stand for your aquarium, there are a few different ways to go about it. The easiest way is to choose a model online
Store-Bought Stands
There are plenty of nice aquarium stands that have already been designed for specific tank sizes. All you would need to do is purchase it and find a good place for it in your home. These are usually great choices for beginners.
Custom Aquarium Stands
Custom aquarium stands are typically much more expensive, but they are generally better quality. With a custom stand, you can design it how you want in order to make sure that it will perfectly fit in with your other decorations in your home.
These custom stands make it look like a natural piece of furniture and oftentimes, the fish tank is built right in. However, they are usually the best choice for more experienced fish keepers since the price and quality is so high.
DIY Stands
If you can’t find the exact stand you’re looking for and you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a custom one, then you can make your own stand! By doing it yourself, you can make sure to create the perfect size and style for your home.
This can be as cheap or as expensive as you want, depending on how much you end up spending on materials.
TIP
When you’re creating your aquarium stand though, make sure you build it with all the different aspects in mind including the height of the stand, the weight of the aquarium, and the water resistance.
Setting Up a 10-Gallon Fish Tank Stand
For the most part, where you set up your tank stand is up to you. However, you need to make sure that the spot you select is not only for aesthetics, but that it’s also the best place for your fish.
Finding a Safe Place for Your Tank Stand
The fish tank should be against a wall or in a corner, far away from any items that could affect the habitat such as the window or air conditioner. Your stand should be set up in a place that looks nice and is also healthy for your fish.
Make Sure You Can See Your Fish
Try to keep your aquarium stand in a place that allows you to see your fish easily. Of course, many fishkeepers do this simply because they like to see their fish, but it’s also a good idea for health reasons.
TIP
By being able to observe the fish often, you will be able to tell if something is wrong with your fish right away. So, keep the fish tank in an easily accessible place that is safe for your fish.
Assembling Your Fish Tank Stand
When you purchase a tank stand, it will likely require some assembly. Most tank stands are fairly easy to put together, but make sure you follow the instructions closely.
If you don’t put the stand together correctly, then it might not be as sturdy as it’s supposed to be, which could cause problems when you put your aquarium on it.
TIP
Even if you don’t think you need the instructions, pay close attention to them when constructing your tank stand.
Product Reviews
There are lots of great 10-gallon aquarium stand options out there, so you need to decide which one will work best for you. Each stand has its own unique features and styles, but overall, each is a good option for a 10-gallon fish tank to rest on.
This stand is suitable for 10-gallon fish tanks and 20-gallon tanks and it can withstand 240 pounds or less. It is a cabinet-style stand that has open shelves to place decorations on and a concealed cabinet space to keep any aquarium supplies in.
Best-All Rounder: Ameriwood Aquarium Stand
This stand is suitable for 10-gallon and 20-gallon aquariums and it can withstand 240 pounds or less. It is a cabinet-style stand that has open shelves to place decorations on and a concealed cabinet space to keep any aquarium supplies in. This stand can be purchased in several different colors including black, brown, white, and gray.
While this option is overall a sturdy stand, it is built specifically for an aquarium that will cover the entire space of the top shelf…
While this option is overall a sturdy stand, it is built specifically for an aquarium that will cover the entire space of the top shelf. Therefore, if you have a horizontal aquarium or if you accidentally purchase a stand that is too large for your aquarium, the weight on top will be uneven, causing it to be wobbly.
Also, while the wood is finished and made to be water resistant, if too much water gets on it, this model has been reported to bleed. So, you must be extra careful if you select this model.
Specs
- Medium – Finished wood
- Style – Cabinet
- Maximum Gallons – 20
- Height – 28 inches
- Width – 25 inches
- Length – 15.68 inches
Pros
- It includes shelf and cabinet storage space for aquarium products.
- It can be purchased in 4 different colors.
- It has a modern appearance.
- Easy assembly
- It’s a good price for the quality.
Cons
- The wood can be damaged or bleed over time.
- The aquarium must fill up the majority of the surface or else the stand will be unbalanced.
Aquatic Fundamentals Aquarium Stand
This Aquatic Fundamental stand is a cute and simple style made with coated metal that is designed to be moisture-resistant. Overall, its quality is good for the price, however, it might not be the most durable option. The stand can be wobbly, especially for larger tank sizes.
Aquatic Fundamentals Aquarium Stand
This Aquatic Fundamental stand is a cute and simple style made with coated metal that is designed to be moisture-resistant. It can be purchased in black or gray and larger sizes are available as needed. The sides of the stand have a classic scroll design that looks like a natural piece of furniture, but it has no shelves or cabinets for storage or decorations. It is sized specifically for 10-gallon fish tanks only, but different models can be purchased for larger fish tanks.
Overall, it is a good quality for the price, however, it might not be the most sturdy option…
Overall, it is a good quality for the price, however, it might not be the most sturdy option. The stand can be wobbly, especially for larger tanks.. Also, it doesn’t have any additional support for the edge of the tank, so if not properly assembled, the tank could possibly slide off. It seems to work well for a 10-gallon fish tank, but make sure to be careful when setting it up.
Specs
- Medium – Coated metal
- Style – Basic
- Maximum Gallons – 10
- Height – 27.8 inches
- Width – 11 inches
- Length – 20.9 inches
Pros
- This is one of the cheapest options.
- Easy assembly
- It’s water resistant.
- There’s more than one color option.
Cons
- There’s no storage space.
- It can be a bit wobbly, especially for larger tanks.
- It doesn’t have support for the edge of the tank.
Imagitarium Newport Wooden Tank Stand
This simple wooden stand design is perfect for fishkeepers looking for a durable stand at an affordable price. It has a smooth, modern design with two open shelves below the aquarium.
Best on a Budget: Imagitarium Newport Wooden Tank Stand
This simple wooden stand design is perfect for fishkeepers looking for a durable stand at an affordable price. It has a smooth, modern design with two open shelves below the aquarium. It even has nylon leveling feet that are adjustable, making it safe and easy to place it on all types of flooring.
This simple wooden stand design is perfect for fishkeepers looking for a durable stand at an affordable price…
Even though this is a cheaper option, it is fairly sturdy for the price. However, when assembling it, you need to pay extra close attention to the directions. If you end up making a small mistake while putting it together, it could ruin the whole tank or end up a bit wobbly.
RECOMMENDATION
The best way to set it up is to put it in a corner or to secure it to a wall to ensure that is remains sturdy over time. So, while it might not be suitable for an experienced fishkeeper, it is a great choice for beginners.
Specs
- Medium – Finished wood
- Style – Basic with shelves
- Maximum Gallons – 20
- Height – 30.2 inches
- Width – 12.8 inches
- Length – 24.8 inches
Pros
- It’s the cheapest option.
- It has two shelves to keep aquarium products on.
- It has adjustable nylon leveling feet.
Cons
- You can’t customize the color.
- It can be wobbly if not assembled properly.
- It doesn’t have any cabinets.
- Assembly directions must be followed extra carefully.
The Aqueon Forge Stand is made specifically to hold a 10-gallon fish tank and it has a lower shelf that can hold a 5.5-gallon tank if needed. Otherwise, the lower shelf can simply serve as a storage space for aquarium supplies or possibly even decorations.
Editor’s Choice: Aqueon Forge Aquarium Stand
The Aqueon Forge Stand is made specifically to hold a 10-gallon fish tank and it has a lower shelf that can hold a 5.5-gallon tank if needed. Otherwise, the lower shelf can simply serve as a storage space for aquarium supplies or possibly even decorations.
This aquarium stand is made mostly with metal, but it has a few wooden panels that are reversible…
This aquarium stand is made mostly with metal, but it has a few wooden panels that are reversible. One side of the wood panels is black while the other is brown, so you can decide which color looks better in your home.
The main downside to this stand is that it has a much more difficult assembly process. You need to be prepared to spend some extra time putting it together to ensure that it’s as stable as possible. Other than that, it is a high quality stand that looks like a natural piece of furniture.
Specs
- Medium – Coated metal and finished wood panels
- Style – Basic with shelves
- Maximum Gallons – 10
- Height – 28.2 inches
- Width – 5 inches
- Length – 16.2 inches
Pros
- The bottom shelf can fit a 5.5-gallon aquarium or storage items.
- The wood panels offer some customization.
- This stand is much sturdier than other options.
- It won’t be damaged by contact with water.
Cons
- There are no cabinets.
- It’s more difficult to assemble.
- It’s more expensive than the other options.
Ollie and Hutch Farmington 10/20 Gallon Aquarium Stand
This aquarium stand has a simple cabinet design that can hold aquariums up to 20 gallons. It has one large cabinet that should provide plenty of storage space for all the supplies you need for your 10 gallon fish tank.
Ollie and Hutch Farmington 10/20 Gallon Aquarium Stand
This Ollie and Hutch Farmington stand has a simple cabinet design that can hold a 10 gallon fish tank up to a 20 gallon fish tank. It has one large cabinet that should provide plenty of storage space for all the supplies you need for your 10 gallon fish tank. Inside the stand, there are 2 shelves. This tank’s style is simple and can easily blend in with the other furniture in your living room. It could fit a 10-gallon fish tank, a 15-gallon fish tank, or a 20 gallon tank.
This tank’s style is simple and can easily blend in with the other furniture in your living room…
The overall quality of the tank is okay and it’s fairly easy to assemble. You can hide aquarium equipment and store supplies in its cabinet. The downside of this stand is it’s made out of particle board, which can get damaged due to water or moisture.
Specs
- Medium – Laminated MDF
- Style – Cabinet
- Maximum Gallons – 20 or 240lbs
- Height – 30 inches
- Width – 26.7 inches
- Length – 15.67 inches
Pros
- It has a cabinet to provide hidden storage.
- It’s very easy to assemble.
- Shelves inside the storage area.
Cons
- Made out of particle board
Summary
Now that you have all the information about the best 10-gallon fish tank stand options out there, it’s time for you to decide which one is best for you.
Remember, every fishkeeper benefits from different products, so you need to take into consideration all the aspects of your aquarium before deciding what type of stand you need.
Let’s take a quick look at all our top picks…
Overall, the best option for both beginners and experienced fishkeepers is the Ameriwood Stand because it hits all the important aspects of a stand.
The most affordable option is the Imagitarium Newport Wooden Tank Stand due to its high quality for a low price. Finally, the Aqueon Forge Stand is the editor’s choice because of its appearance and how practical it is.
So, if you know what style, size, and price you’re looking for in an aquarium stand, then you are ready to select one for yourself.
Make sure you are careful with your decision, just as you would when choosing other aquarium accessories, and always choose the option that you think is best for your fish.
A quality tank stand is not only there for the appearance, but also for the convenience and safety of you and your fish.
Thanks for reading! Be sure to check out more reviews and guides on the site.
