An aquarium stand might seem like an unnecessary purchase after you’ve just bought a tank and all the supplies you need for your fish. However, a common dilemma aquarists face is misjudging how heavy a tank is when you fill it with water.
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Using an unsuitable frame for your tank can end in disastrous consequences, but to ensure that this doesn’t happen to you, I’ve reviewed some of the best 29-gallon aquarium stands.
After considering all the options our top picks were…
Can It Support the Weight of Your Tank?
It’s crucial you use a stand that is able to hold the capacity of your tank. If the stand you use is too small, then you run the risk of it collapsing under the weight of your aquarium.
For example, if you own a 29-gallon aquarium, you’ll require a stand that is targeted for tanks of this size or over.
Aquarium stands are worth using as they are designed for supporting the weight of your tank.
NOTE
Placing your aquarium on an item of furniture that isn’t intended for holding aquariums can be problematic, as you can’t be sure that they are sturdy or durable enough.
How Big is Your Tank?
The size of your tank also comes into play when choosing a suitable aquarium stand.
Although the number of gallons of water your tank can hold is important, the length, height, and width of it also need to be considered.
Your aquarium stand needs to be longer and wider than the length and width of your tank…
Your aquarium stand needs to be longer and wider than the length and width of your tank.
If your aquarium is longer or wider than the stand, it is very likely to break once you fill it with water. This is because the sides of the tank that are unsupported by the stand will begin to weaken.
Additionally, some stands are designed for certain types of tanks, such as bow-curve or high-top aquariums. The stands in this review are ideal for 20 gallon aquariums up to 29 gallon aquariums.
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It’s a good idea to check the stand you plan to use is able to support the type of tank you own.
What Material is the Stand Made From?
There are various materials aquarium stands are made from, but the most common ones are particleboard, plywood, and metal.
Particleboard Stands
Stands made from particleboard are typically the most affordable, but they are not recommended for saltwater tanks.
The humidity from saltwater aquariums can damage and warp the wood over time.
If you were planning on placing your aquarium on a wooden cabinet or another piece of furniture in your home, then this is something to keep in mind.
It’s unlikely they will be moisture-resistant, so it’s best to use a stand that is specifically designed for holding aquariums.
NOTE
In general, particleboard stands are susceptible to warping, especially if they have not been coated in moisture-resistant powder. Spilling water on an aquarium stand is bound to happen when you own fish, such as during water changes and basic tank maintenance.
Plywood Stands
Plywood aquarium stands are a great choice for most tanks due to the amount of weight they can support.
Again, like particleboard stands, it’s vital that the one you pick is moisture-resistant. Plywood aquariums are a good option for acrylic aquariums, but they can be a little pricey.
Metal Stands
Metal stands are normally used for large glass aquariums as they are sturdy, durable, and strong.
Most metal stands are made from stainless steel or aluminum. If you’re thinking of using a metal stand for your aquarium, it’s a good idea to select one that is anti-corrosive to prevent it from rusting.
Unlike the majority of wooden aquarium stands, metal frames provide you with more space to access your aquarium equipment…
Unlike the majority of wooden aquarium stands, metal frames provide you with more space to access your aquarium equipment, like wires and tubing for your filter, heater, air pump, etc.
However, metal stands often lack storage space, which means you’ll have to place your aquarium supplies somewhere else.
Overall Stand Design
Aquarium stands come in a plethora of designs.
Some are capable of holding more than one aquarium, which is ideal for aquarists who want to own more than one tank but don’t have the space.
These types of aquarium stands will have an extra level, typically at the bottom, for you to add another aquarium on.
NOTE
There are also aquarium stands that come with storage compartments or cabinets for you to hold your aquarium supplies in. The design of the stand is entirely down to personal preference and your needs.
Custom, DIY, or Store-bought Stands?
Custom aquarium stands are commonly used by aquarists with large tanks and setups. This is because most store-bought aquarium stands are unable to support the weight of very big tanks.
A custom stand is normally made to order by an aquarium manufacturer who will take into account the specifications of the aquarist’s tank, as well as any other special requirements, such as shelves, cabinets, and storage compartments.
Custom stands are very high-quality but extremely expensive.
DIY Stands
If you’ve got a talent for carpentry, then a DIY aquarium stand might be worth taking a look at.
A DIY aquarium stand gives you full customization.
As you’re purchasing all of the materials for the stand yourself, its less costly than hiring an aquarium manufacturer to build one for you.
Before building a DIY aquarium stand, it’s a good idea to do some research on the type of materials you’ll need.
Store-bought Stands
Store-bought aquarium stands are the most accessible as you can order them online or swing by your local pet-store to buy one.
For tanks on the smaller side like a 29-gallon, store-bought stands are perfectly adequate.
Durability and Water-resistance
As your aquarium stand is going to be holding a lot of water, you want it to be both durable and water-resistant.
Your aquarium stand needs to be sturdy and robust so it can’t be easily knocked over. Ideally, it should be made out of a high-quality material that is long-lasting so you don’t have to replace it frequently.
RECOMMENDATION
Make sure the aquarium stand you use is water-resistant or has been coated in a moisture-resistant powder/solution to prevent it from weakening, warping, or rusting over time.
Style
When choosing an aquarium stand, you obviously want it to look appealing while also supporting the weight of your tank.
Aquarium stands are available in a variety of colors and finishes, so there shouldn’t be an issue finding one that matches the room you want to place it in.
Consider the Space for Equipment
As an aquarist, you probably have a never-ending list of equipment for your tank, whether it’s a filter, heater, air pump, or supplies like medication, food, and siphons.
If you don’t have enough space for your supplies, then an aquarium stand that comes with a cabinet or additional storage compartments might be ideal.
How Easy Is It to Set Up?
Ensuring your aquarium stand is assembled correctly is vital as you don’t want it to break or fall apart, especially when you place your tank on top of it.
Some stands are easier to put together than others, so if you’re not confident in your construction skills, it’s best to pick a frame that is simple to assemble or comes pre-assembled.
What Is a Good Aquarium Stand Height?
Most aquarium stands are designed to be looked at when you are sitting down.
You don’t want one that is so short you can’t see your tank or one that is so tall it requires a step-ladder to access.
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A good height for an aquarium stand is around 30 inches.
What Look Do You Want?
There’s an array of options to choose from with aquarium stands, so consider what type of look you want to go for.
If you own a blackwater tank that’s heavily-planted, then a dark-colored aquarium stand could complement it nicely.
Alternatively, a warm brown aquarium frame might be a great choice for a tank with light substrate and a driftwood centerpiece.
Review Summary
Here’s a quick overview of my top three 29-gallon aquarium stands.
Imagitarium Brooklyn Metal Stand
Imagitarium’s 29-gallon aquarium stand is a fantastic choice if you’re on a budget. Despite its low price, it’s incredibly durable due to its solid steel frame.
Best All Rounder: Imagitarium Brooklyn Metal Stand
For those who want a good-quality 29-gallon aquarium stand that doesn’t break the bank, this is my top pick.
The 29-gallon aquarium stand by Imagitarium is both sturdy and affordable. It’s made from solid steel so it’s strong enough to support the weight of your aquarium. Adjustable feet are also included to help you keep your tank level.
Aquatic Fundamentals Aquarium Stand
If you’re looking for a stand that’s high-quality, durable, and fairly inexpensive, the 29-gallon aquarium stand from Aquatic Fundamentals comes up top.
Best on a budget: Aquatic Fundamentals Aquarium Stand
In terms of value and quality, this 29-gallon aquarium stand is my overall recommendation.
Aquatic Fundamentals have a great selection of stands, but this one is my top choice as it’s durable, high-quality, and fairly inexpensive. It looks appealing and is made from steel that has been coated in a water-resistant powder to prevent warping and chipping.
GDLF Metal Aquarium Stand with Cabinet
This aquarium stand from GDLF is perfect for up to 40 gallon tanks. It has MDF cabinets supported by sturdy steel legs.
Editor’s Choice: GDLF Metal Aquarium Stand with Cabinet
My personal favorite out of all the stands I’ve reviewed. It’s durable and has extra space for equipment or another tank.
Ameriwood’s aquarium stand looks beautiful and can support tanks up to 40 gallons, so it will have no trouble holding a 29-gallon aquarium. The feature I like most about this stand is the amount of storage you get with it:
29 Gallon Aquarium Stand Top Picks
Imagitarium Brooklyn Metal Stand
Imagitarium’s 29-gallon aquarium stand is a fantastic choice if you’re on a budget. Despite its low price, it’s incredibly durable due to its solid steel frame.
Best All Rounder: Imagitarium Brooklyn Metal Stand
Imagitarium’s 29-gallon aquarium stand is a fantastic choice overall if considering both price and quality. Despite its affordable price, it’s incredibly durable due to its solid steel frame. The size of the stand is 30 inches in length, so it will have no issue holding your 29-gallon aquarium.
Despite its low price, it’s incredibly durable due to its solid steel frame…
You get adjustable feet with the stand so you can make sure your tank will be perfectly level before adding it. The only negative with these adjustable feet are their wobbliness. You could rectify this by placing a piece of cardboard or a flat object underneath them to improve the stand’s overall stability.
The stand is black, sleek, and stylish. I really like the design of this aquarium stand as it looks a lot more expensive than it is. Although the stand isn’t as high-quality as some of the others in this list, the price definitely makes up for this minor flaw.
Specs
- Size: 30” x 12.5” x 29.5”
- Material: Steel
- Weight: 19.2 lbs (with packaging)
- Color: Black
- Storage Space: None
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Durable
- Stylish design
Cons
- Adjustable feet are a little wobbly
- Not as high-quality as other aquarium stands
Aquatic Fundamentals Aquarium Stand
If you’re looking for a stand that’s high-quality, durable, and fairly inexpensive, the 29-gallon aquarium stand from Aquatic Fundamentals comes up top.
Best on a Budget: Aquatic Fundamentals Aquarium Stand
If you’re looking for a stand that’s high-quality, durable, and fairly inexpensive, the 29-gallon aquarium stand from Aquatic Fundamentals comes up top. The material of the frame is steel that has been coated in a black moisture-resistant powder. This means there’s no worry of it chipping or warping, unlike stands that are made from wood.
The stand is pretty easy to put together and doesn’t take too long to get set up and running. I love the design of this stand and it’s also fairly durable. It’ll look great while providing your tank with reassuring support.
However, the assembly instructions can be a little confusing, but with a little mental gymnastics you’ll have it built in no time.
NOTE
A minor drawback with the Aquatic Fundamentals stand is it can be a bit wobbly. Pushing it up firmly against a wall will help counteract this, so it’s nothing to be too concerned about.
Specs
- Size: 30.3” x 27.8” x 12.5”
- Material: Steel
- Weight: 12 lbs
- Color: Black
- Storage Space: None
Pros
- Durable
- Stylish design
- Coated in moisture-resistant powder to prevent warping
Cons
- Can be a bit wobbly
- Instructions for assembly are a little unclear
GDLF Metal Aquarium Stand with Cabinet
This aquarium stand from GDLF is perfect for up to 40 gallon tanks. It has MDF cabinets supported by sturdy steel legs.
Editor’s Choice: GDLF Metal Aquarium Stand with Cabinet
This aquarium stand from Ameriwood is perfect for tanks between 29 gallons and 40 gallons. It’s made from laminated particleboard and MDF (medium-density fibreboard). The stand comes in a brown finish that looks attractive and refined.
Ample Storage Space
My favorite feature of this stand by Ameriwood is the amount of storage it comes with. It comes with two shelves to store your equipment or extra aquarium. As someone who is always in need of more storage space, this is something I appreciate in an aquarium stand.
My favorite feature of this stand by Ameriwood is the amount of storage it comes with…
Assembly-wise, the Ameriwood aquarium stand is a breeze to put together. You’d think a stand like this would be difficult to build, but thankfully, that isn’t the case.
One slight drawback with the stand is it is prone to chipping and warping. Particleboard aquarium stands are typically at risk for these problems, so I don’t think it’s a fault of the manufacturer.
Specs
- Size: 36.6 x 18.9 x 31.6 inches
- Materials: MDF and Steel
- Color: Dark brown
- Storage Space: 2 shelves
Pros
- Visually appealing
- Easy to put together
- Lots of storage space
Cons
- Material can be prone to chipping and warping
Caitec TitanEze Double Aquarium Stand
The quality of the stand is sturdy and durable, but is also straightforward to assemble. In terms of design, the frame looks simple but appealing. It also comes with decorative swirls on the front, which is a nice touch.
Caitec TitanEze Double Aquarium Stand
This stand from Caitec is suitable for 29-gallon aquariums. To help prevent it from rusting and chipping, it is made from steel that has been dusted in moisture-resistant powder.
The quality of the stand is sturdy and durable but is also straightforward to assemble…
The quality of the stand is sturdy and durable but is also straightforward to assemble. In terms of design, the frame looks simple but appealing. It also comes with decorative swirls on the front, which is a nice touch.
You get two shelves with this stand, so it is capable of holding more than one tank. This is ideal if you own more than one 29-gallon aquarium as you don’t need to go out and purchase an additional stand.
NOTE
The Caitec aquarium stand can be a little wobbly, but this can be easily rectified by placing some cardboard underneath one of its feet.
Specs
- Size: 38.5” x 29” x13”
- Material: Steel & moisture-resistant powder
- Weight: 17 lbs
- Color: Black
- Storage Space: None
Pros
- Simple to put together
- Light in weight
- Durable
Cons
- Can be a little wobbly
Imagitarium Winston Tank Stand
The 29-gallon aquarium stand by Imagitarium is a good option if you want a sturdy and attractive frame to place your tank on.
Imagitarium Winston Tank Stand
The 29-gallon aquarium stand by Aqua Culture is a good option if you want a sturdy and attractive frame to place your tank on. It’s made from wood and has solid construction.
It’s made from wood and has solid construction…
You get a large amount of storage space behind the hinged door, which is handy for keeping your aquarium supplies in. The adjustable shelf allows you to customize the space so you can store the equipment you need.
Specs
- Size: 12.5 x 30 x 29.5
- Material: Particle wood with resistant finish
- Weight: 38.8 lbs
- Color: Brown
- Storage Space: 1 cabinet
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Robust
- Visually attractive
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a back shelf
- Wood is prone to chipping and peeling
Conclusion
After considering all the options our top picks were…
Out of all the aquarium stands I’ve reviewed, I think the Aquatic Fundamentals Aquarium Stand is a clear winner. It’s affordable, sturdy, durable, and a perfect fit for 29-gallon tanks.
That’s not to say that my picks for the “Best All Rounder” and “Editor’s Choice” categories are inferior.
Best All-Rounder and Editor’s Choice
For the majority of 29-gallon aquariums, the Imagitarium Brooklyn Metal Stand with Cabinet is a fantastic option. It’s easy to assemble, looks great, and is very durable.
If you’ve got a bit of a wider budget, then the GDLF Metal Aquarium Stand with Cabinet is worth taking a closer look at.
Visually, it’s my favorite out of all the products I’ve reviewed. It also comes with a large amount of storage space, which is great for aquarists who need an extra house to stash all their aquarium supplies!
Best On a Budget
Going back to the Aquatic Fundamentals Aquarium Stand, the feature I like most about it is its affordability.
Compared to the other stands, it’s the most inexpensive option. Although you might think its price has a direct correlation with its quality, this certainly isn’t the case.
The structure of the stand is well-made and strong, and there’s no risk of it being knocked over easily.
Notable Features
It’s made from solid steel, which eliminates the risk of it warping or rotting.
Particleboard stands are unsuitable for saltwater setups, so a high-quality metal frame like this one is a great choice.
I like that the stand comes with adjustable feet so you can level it to make sure your tank is perfectly straight before you add it.
Although you don’t get any extra storage space with this stand, it does allow you to have easy access to your equipment like your filter and heater.
Choose What’s Right for You
However, if you’re looking for a different type of aquarium stand, then any of the products listed above are also an excellent option.
They’re a bit pricier but they might be a better fit for your needs if require a frame with storage compartments or one that can hold more than one tank.
Conclusion
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