Complete Comparison of Five Top Rated 55 Gallon Stands

For many people, a 55-gallon fish tank is an ideal size. It’s not really all that huge, but it’s big enough to have zones for lots of smaller fish or for aggressive African Cichlids. You can also use it to house big fish. But the thing is, its size and weight when full can present a problem.

Its dimensions can reach 48” x 13” x 21” and its weight with water can reach up to 550 pounds. You can’t just put it on a flimsy table or shelf. You need a robust 55-gallon fish tank stand.

My recommended 55-gallon stand is the Aquatic Fundamentals, continue reading for more options.

Types of Aquarium Stand

Advantages of a Ready Made Stand

Disadvantages of a Stand

Placement

55-gallon Aquarium Stands Reviews

If you’re a beginner, here are some stands that offer good value for money.

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1. Aquatic Fundamentals 55 Gallon Upright Aquarium Stand

This mixed-media measures 49.4 x 13.1 x 28.2 inches which makes it suitable for the typical 55-gallon tank dimensions.

It’s a cabinet-style stand that offers full bottom support and storage space. It weighs 74.6 pounds.

Pros

  • It’s easy to assemble with its clear instructions.
  • It’s good for acrylic tanks too.
  • It’s made of dense fiberboard, with moisture-resistant powder coat finish.
  • The locking cam assembly is made with metal parts.
  • It looks great and classy.

Cons

  • It’s the most expensive on this list, although the price is still reasonable.
  • There aren’t any adjustable feet for leveling.
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2. Petco Brooklyn 55 Gallon Metal Tank Stand

This metal stand is very basic, and it measures 48.5 x 13.5 x 29.5 inches. That’s good enough to fit nicely with the standard 48" x 13" x 21" dimensions of a 55-gallon tank.

It only provides support for the edges, however, so it’s limited to glass tanks. It weighs 34.5 pounds.

Pros

  • It’s made from durable solid steel, and it’s strong enough to support much more than 550 pounds.
  • ​It comes with powder coated finish for moisture resistance.
  • ​It also has adjustable feet so you can level the stand before you add the tank.
  • ​It’s very affordable.
  • It’s easy to assemble.

Cons

  • It’s limited to glass tanks.
  • There aren’t any adjustable feet for leveling. 
  • Its look is more functional than stylish.
  • The finish scratches easily.
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3. Aquatic Fundamentals Mixed Media Series with Storage

This stand measures 48" x 13.5" x 27.87" and weighs 69 pounds. It comes with a top shelf, along with two cabinets at the bottom.

It’s made from MDF, with the locking cam assembly made of metal.

Pros

  • It’s easy to put together.
  • It looks quite stylish, and the top shelf allows you to accessorize it further.
  • You’ve got ample storage space.

Cons

  • When it gets wet, you should wipe it down right away.
  • You’ll also have to make sure the feet are level before you put in the tank.
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4. Caitec Bird Toys Double Aquarium Stands

This metal stand measures 50.5" L x 32" H x 13" W, with a dimension opening of 46.5" x 11.25".

The top shelf holds a 55-gallon tank, with the bottoms shelf supporting the same type of tank or something smaller as well.

Pros

  • With this configuration, you don’t take up as much space in the room.
  • It’s powder-coated to resist corrosion and water damage.
  • It’s very easy to put together because of its very basic design, and you don’t even need tools for the assembly.

Cons

  • You’re going to have to really make sure that the feet aren’t wobbly.
  • The configuration can also be very heavy, so make sure your floor placement can take the weight.
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5. Aquatic Fundamentals 50/65 Gallon Upright Stand

What really sets this aquarium stand apart is that doesn’t just support the aquarium at the corners. It’s a solid top stand, and so it supports every square inch of the tank bottom.

This means it can support a wide variety of aquariums, including smaller or rounded tanks that don’t have corners at the right spots (or any corners at all).

The high quality of this stand is also demonstrated by the use of a metal to metal locking cam assembly. It’s very different and much longer-lasting than those cheaper stands that cut costs by using wood screws and glue in their construction.

Finally, unlike metal frames, this stand functions double as a storage compartment inside. You just push the front panel and it functions as a magnetic door. Inside, you have lots of space for your supplies, and when the door is closed you get a very attractive stand to complement your aquarium.

Pros

  • It’s very easy to assemble. All the parts are labeled, and the instruction sheet comes with understandable instructions. Just lay out the parts and read the directions, and then read them again for good measure. All the predrilled holes are in their proper locations, and all you need is a screwdriver.
  • It’s very beautiful.
  • You don’t have to worry about its sturdiness and durability.
  • The room bottom is very handy, and with the door it looks good.

Cons

  • People who rush the assembly may have some trouble at first because you really should take the time to read the instructions first.
  • Some people may wish for a shelf in the storage compartment, but this may compromise the integrity of the entire stand.

Final recommendations

It really depends on the type of aquarium you have.

If it’s a glass tank, I’d recommend the Petco Brooklyn. It’s very strong and easy to assemble, and it looks good. But its winning feature is that you can adjust the feet. With these heavy tanks, you really want to make sure you don’t have a wobbly stand at all.

Now if your aquarium is acrylic, I’d go with the Aquatic Fundamentals Mixed Media Series. It looks fantastic, and its MDF material is durable enough. Also, the two cabinets offer a lot of storage space for your accessories.