The pets are lovely. Everyone wants to have one, be it any animal. But when we talk about pets, the two animals that come up the most are dogs and cats. Why that? Probably because these two are the most domesticated species of animals by Humans. But now, people have different types of animals as pets and one of the most trending pet choices today is fish. It may sound weird to some people, but we have seen people have gold fishes in round tanks, but now the trend is not just to have one fish, let’s say a golden fish, the trend is to have multiple fishes of different breeds.
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Best 20 Gallon Aquarium Stand
Having fish as pets is not an easy task. I have been petting fish in my house for almost ten years now, and I know how tough a job it is to keep that aquarium shining. Well, this time, we are going to talk about one of the essential accessories for petting fish: an aquarium stand.
When I was getting an aquarium for the first time, I did not pay much attention to buying a quality aquarium stand. I do not want you to make the same mistake. I will list some of the best Aquarium stands for a 20-gallon aquarium; why 20 gallons? Because that is the most preferred size for a beginner’s aquarium. Not too big, not too small.
Let’s move on to our final list of the best 20-gallon aquarium stands. We will try to include the quality ones and the affordable ones.
1. Aquatic Fundamentals Metal Aquarium Stand
The first 20-gallon aquarium stand on our list is a tank recommended by Amazon itself. It is a metal aquarium stand, and you do not worry; just because it is a metal stand does not mean it will rust sooner. Also, it is made out of steel. Steel does not rust. It is excellent for long-term usage and supports both freshwater and saltwater fish tanks.
Key Features:
- The stand has a holding capacity of 290 pounds
- Classic style
- Powder-coated modern black finish
Pros:
- Supports both freshwater and saltwater fish tanks
- Moisture resistant
- Easy to assemble
- Sturdy
Cons:
- Chance of getting toppled by accidental hits
2. Petco Brand – Imagitarium Newport Wooden Tank Stand – for 20 Gallon Aquariums
This aquarium stand, as helpful as it looks, is an excellent choice if you have just gotten into fishing and are looking to buy a new fish tank. It is from a brand called Imagitarium and has a perfect modern design. The good about this stand is that it is effortless to assemble. It is a quick procedure.
It makes it stand out from other tanks because you can adjust its level. Also, just because it is made from wood, you do not need to worry about the water seeping into the wood, reducing its strength, the wood is of high quality, and plastic paint will help repel the water.
Key features:
- Comes with adjustable protective nylon leveling feet
- Has a weight capacity of 180 pounds
- Highly rated
Pros:
- Modern design
- Can work for both freshwater and saltwater fishes
- Value for money
- Recommended for long-term use
Cons:
- The stand is not sturdy enough to take accidental hits
3. TitanEze, Double Aquarium Stand (2 Stands in 1), Fish Tank Stand, Bird Cage Stand, Aquarium Stands, 20 Gallon Aquarium Stand, 22.5″ W x 31″ H x 10.5″ D
One of the most robust and durable stands on the market is the TitanEze Double aquarium stand. The great thing about this stand is its versatility. It is a two-in-one stand. It has a double wall construction and heavy-duty polymer feet.
Another thing I would like to add about this stand is that it is powder coated, so things like moisture and dirt do not harm its quality. This is why you do not need to worry about rusting because it is rust-proof.
Key Features:
- Strong & Durable
- Space Saving
- Easy Assembly
Pros:
- Versatile
- Can support two 10-gallon tanks simultaneously
- Modern design
Cons:
- Wobbly, not stable
4. Aqueon Forge Aquarium Stand 20 by 10-inch
Here comes yet another metal aquarium stand. This one can also support two aquariums at the same time. However, that is not what makes it great. It is also a wooden panel that flips up to provide access to the bottom aquarium. How cool is that?
This creatively designed aquarium stand weighs just 15 pounds, making it easy to carry and transport. According to the company, it can also be assembled easily in just seven steps. The stand is made of durable steel so it can withstand quite a good amount of load.
Key features:
- Can be built in just seven easy steps
- Powder-coated finish
- Can accommodate two aquariums at the same time
Pros:
- Made of wood and metal
- Can both types of fish aquariums
- Can be used in the long term
Cons:
- Wobbly, can quickly fall
5. Ollie & Hutch Farmington 10/20 Gallon Aquarium Stand, Ivory
Now we have a beautiful aquarium stand from Ollie & Hutch Farmington. The way this stand has been designed is very minimalistic. It has not got any weird shapes or angles as such. Just a simply beautiful design. Also, the company Ollie & Hutch Farmington recommends that when you assemble this stand, do it with the help of two people.
Yet another thing that I liked about this stand is the storage space under it. When you have fish as pets, you must buy many other things such as a filter, a heater, some medicines, and some cleaning accessories. The bottom shelf in this aquarium stand can easily fit all of these accessories.
Key features:
- Beautiful minimalistic design
- Weighs almost 60 pounds
- Premium Ivory color
Pros:
- Made out of engineered wood
- Weathered off-white finish
- Comes with extra storage shelves
- Can support a weight up to 240 pounds
Cons:
- Maybe too heavy at 60 pounds
- The adjustable shelf can only hold 30 pounds
Product Guide
Now Aquarium stands, as simple a product as they might seem, are not as simple. They are divided into categories, and before buying one, you need to see if it is even a quality aquarium stand or not. There are other factors to consider, such as price and value for money proposition.
So, in general, aquarium stands can be divided into four categories:
Standard aquarium stands:
Standard aquarium stands are the ones that can be easily found in big general stores, stores that are as big as supermarkets, or in supermarkets themselves. These stands are not the cheap local ones, since they have been displayed in a supermarket.
Generally, these tank stands are suited for freshwater fishes and can work well for some time, but if you have some saltwater fish and want to keep using the stand for the long term, these stands are not recommended at all. The reason is once the water starts spilling out during the occasional maintenance of the aquarium, there are chances of wrapping in the structure of the stand, compromising its strength.
The brand name stands:
Next on our list, we have Brand name stands, which are associated with a particular brand. These stands are quality ones since a brand is associated with them. Hours of work are put into making these stands. They are strong and usually made from a wooden or metal frame (usually aluminum). If there is one stand you can rely upon, it is this one.
Custom-built stands:
Custom-built stands are made by individuals who specialize in the art of making aquarium stands. They are not associated with any big brand name as such; they are like a small business in themselves. The good thing about these types of tanks is that they are built for maximum utility so that these stands will work be saltwater or freshwater fish.
FAQ’s
Q1. Why do I need a specific stand for my 20-gallon aquarium?
Answer: A dedicated aquarium stand is designed to support the weight of your aquarium and provide stability. It ensures the safety of your aquatic environment and complements the overall aesthetics.
Q2. How do I determine the right size of a stand for my 20-gallon tank?
Answer: Measure the length and width of your aquarium and choose a stand that matches or slightly exceeds these dimensions. Ensure that the stand is sturdy enough to support the weight of the tank when filled with water.
Q3. What materials are common for 20-gallon aquarium stands?
Answer: Aquarium stands are typically made from wood, metal, or a combination of both. Wood stands are popular for their aesthetics, while metal stands are known for their durability.
Q4. Can I use furniture or DIY solutions as an aquarium stand for a 20-gallon tank?
Answer: It’s not recommended, as regular furniture may not provide the necessary support and stability. Aquarium stands are designed with the specific weight and water pressure of tanks in mind.
Q5. What features should I look for in a 20-gallon aquarium stand?
Answer: Consider features like storage space, durability, ease of assembly, and compatibility with your tank’s dimensions. Some stands come with cabinets or shelves for equipment storage.
Q6. Are there 20-gallon aquarium stands designed for specific tank shapes, like long or tall tanks?
Answer: Yes, you can find stands tailored to different tank shapes. Make sure the stand you choose matches the dimensions of your tank.
Q7. Do I need to assemble the stand myself, and is it difficult to do so?
Answer: Assembly requirements vary by brand and model. Some stands come pre-assembled, while others require assembly. Most stands include instructions and hardware for easy setup.
Q8. What should I do to maintain and clean my 20-gallon aquarium stand?
Answer: Maintenance typically involves dusting, cleaning spills promptly, and periodically checking for any signs of wear or damage to ensure the stand remains in good condition.
Q9. Can I paint or customize the appearance of my 20-gallon aquarium stand to match my decor?
Answer: Many wooden stands can be painted or stained to match your home decor. However, ensure that the paint or finish used is aquarium-safe and won’t harm your fish.
Q10. Are there weight limits for 20-gallon aquarium stands, and what happens if I exceed them?
Answer: Most stands have weight limits specified by the manufacturer. Exceeding these limits can lead to instability and potential damage to your tank. It’s essential to choose a stand that can safely support your tank’s weight.
Q11.Why is there a need to buy an aquarium stand? Is it that important?
Ans: A stand for an aquarium may be made of a wide range of materials, sizes, and forms. An aquarium stand is a necessary component of a whole setup. This is particularly significant in a saltwater aquarium since most hobbyists will install a sump in the stand to use it for the aquarium’s back-end operations. You should be able to pick the best choice for your aquarium if you use the information in this article, which goes into great length on the five things you need to know about an aquarium stand.
Q12. Can’t I make an aquarium stand myself? Like a DIY one?
Ans: Of course, you can. You can build one if you have the required skills to make an aquarium stand. They would not be branded, and there would be no guarantee of how long they can be used without getting damaged. But all these things entirely depend on the person making a stand. Do-it-yourself stands are popular and a great way to express your skills and artistic side.
Q13. Should I go with a wooden or a metallic aquarium stand? Which one is better and has more value for money?
Ans: See, there is no such as which is better between the two. If the wood used in making the wooden stand is of premium quality, there should not be any worries. The same goes for the metal; ensure that the metal is rust-proof. Regarding value for money, I think I will personally go with metallic stands rather than wooden stands. The metallic frames weigh more and are not easy to transport, but they are more durable and can be easily used in the long term.
Q14. Should I get a canopy with my aquarium stand or leave it as it is (without a canopy)?
Ans: Nowadays, canopies are becoming less and less popular with aquarium owners. That is why companies selling aquarium stands have stopped giving them as an accessory or even a free gift. But, if you fear your fish jumping out of the tank, you can get a mesh canopy so that it’s airy and the fish can’t jump out. Also, you can get a wholly covered aquarium stand, which covers the tank from all sides, and that will ensure that your fish do not jump out of the tank.
Q15. Instead of buying an aquarium stand, can’t we save money and keep the aquarium on a table?
Ans: You can choose to save money by not buying an aquarium stand, and yes, you can keep the aquarium on a table. But my question is, for how long? For how long do you think your table will be able to withstand a 20 20-gallon aquarium tank? Would you be able to use it long-term as a permanent solution? The answer is no, simply because your room table is not designed to be an aquarium stand.
The wood used in your table might not be able to take the water and not swell. This will shorten the life of your table and increase the chances of your aquarium falling, so please, buy a tank.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you have decided to pet fish, buy the tank and the accessories such as the medicine, the filter, the heater, and the cleaning cloth, and get an aquarium stand as well. It will not only enhance your experience of breeding fish but also ensure the safety of your fish.
As I told you, you can get a wooden or a metal aquarium stand but get a quality one, or if you can build a good one for yourself, then go ahead with it. I trust you like this article on the best 20 Gallon aquarium stands. They are good quality stands, and you can trust them to keep your fish secure for the long term.
Kiran Kotte is a 25 years old Youtuber. He is a tech geek and also codes sometimes. He writes on various topics like Technology, Blogging, Web designing, and SEO. He runs various other blogs under various niches.