Complete Comparison of Five Top Rated 55 Gallon Stands

There are different types of stands to choose from. However, you basically have 3 options: wood, metal, or a mixed media stand. They each have their own pros and cons.

Metal

For many this is a popular choice, and one reason for that is because it is typically the most affordable of them all. They’re usually designed to support the edges of an aquarium, so that means they’re only good for glass fish tanks and not for acrylics.

You will have to make sure that the metal fish tank stand is treated properly for corrosion-resistance. This s an absolute priority, as there’s a good chance it’ll get wet and if it rusts you’re going to have a big problem. It can all come crashing down.

There’s also one common problem with metal stands, and that’s the lack of storage space for your additional aquarium equipment. That means you’ll have to buy more stands to place your accessories near the fish tank.

Wood

For many, wood is a good choice. It’s like buying another piece of furniture, and the material makes a good match for the other pieces of furniture in the room. It’s also the ideal stand for acrylic tanks, as they provide full support for the bottom of the aquarium.

One distinct advantage of this type of stand is that you can find many that offer cabinets and drawers for your accessories. Also, there’s a lot of variety in wood styles and finishes, so you can pick one that matches the room’s overall interior design.

With wood stands, you’ll again have to be very concerned about how it deals with getting wet. It must be finished properly so that it can stand getting wet on a regular basis.

Wood stands can be made with particle board or MDF (medium-density fiberboard). Particle boards don’t make for high-quality stands, however. They don’t do well with high-moisture situations. When you get them wet on a regular basis, there’s a very good chance that it will eventually fall apart. MDF is a much better option.

The main drawback of wood is that it’s much more expensive than metal stands.

Mixed media

Usually, this type offers a wood support, but the metal provides the material for the locking fasteners. That makes it able to support acrylic tanks firmly. However, the cost can be so much higher.

There’s a 4th type that’s being introduced to the market, and that’s stands made from special plastics. There are a few laminate stands, and even an acrylic stand. These can hold up to water very well, and they can usually match the look of a tank so that you get a more visually appealing tank/stand combination. But these stands are very uncommon.

When you have a stand for your aquarium, it solves a lot of your problems but only if you get the right one. You have to specifically look for a 55-gallon aquarium stand so that you know it can bear the weight, and that its design is built for the right dimensions.

However, it also matters whether your aquarium is glass or acrylic. With a glass aquarium, it’s enough that you provide support for only the outer edges of the tank. But acrylic is a different matter, and you’ll need bottom support for the entire width and length of the tank.

Of course, the most obvious drawback is that you’ll have to spend more money, and it may seem that this hobby is all about buying stuff. What can be annoying is that you need to buy the right stand, or else you’re going to waste your money.

That means you need to devote some time and effort in making your choice of stand. That means reading reviews and factoring in your needs. You don’t just consider the need of your aquarium, but also the look of your room so that the interior design is coherent and appealing. The wrong choice can make your room look worse.

Hopefully, you already know the basic rules of aquarium placement. You don’t put them in direct sunlight or near vents, or any place that can rapidly change the temperature in the fish tank. You’ll want to avoid putting it near doors, speakers, or heavy foot traffic so the noise and constant activity don’t stress the fish.

You also need to make sure that your stand is near a power outlet for your accessories. Plus, you’ll need to be near a water drain and source.

But you’ll have special concerns with a 55-gallon fish tank stand because of the dimensions and the weight. Avoid putting it in the middle of a room, where it can cause the floor to sag. Instead, place it right next to a weight-bearing wall.