Stylish Aquarium Stands to Showcase your Aquatic Pets

Pets enrich our lives, but aquariums stand out because they beautify your décor, while the rhythmic motion of swimming fish is a calming addition to your home. Aquariums are a focal point with a big visual impact. For these reasons aquarium ownership is one of the most popular decorating trends in recent years. The 8 million indoor tanks in the U.S. in 2022 represents a 42 percent increase compared to 2021. 

There is no better way to showcase your fish tank/terrarium than with a purpose-built aquarium stand.  While they can cost thousands, a beautiful line from Ollie & Hutch costs a small fraction of some of the higher priced brands. They come in a wide array of styles, sizes, colors, and finishes including indigo blue, black, espresso, rustic white, rustic gray, and wood tones like ivory oak, and heritage pine. 

Why aquariums are at their best on a purpose-built stand 

Ollie & Hutch: 10/20 Gallon Aquarium Stand with Open and Concealed Storage

An aquarium is a beautiful addition to your home, but you need to ensure that your tank is both stable and safe to avoid big messes and keep your aquatic pets safe. Dedicated aquarium stands are the best choice because they are made to support the weight of a fully loaded aquarium.  

Sure, you can use a TV stand or a shelf, but this is far from ideal, and it could even be dangerous.  For starters a fully filled aquarium weighs much more than a TV, and this is more than a typical shelf can bear. This makes them more unstable and increases the risk of leaking, cracking, or tipping over.   

TV stands and shelves aren’t designed to withstand humidity and spills and they don’t have ventilation that allows airflow, regulates temperatures, and prevents moisture buildup. Aquariums on TV stands or shelves can also be difficult to access making maintenance a more difficult chore than it needs to be. 

Ollie & Hutch: Wildwood 55 Gallon Aquarium Stand with 4 Doors and 4 Shelves 

In addition to enhancing stability, and safety, aquarium stands can also help to keep your home neat and tidy as they often come with storage space in the form of cabinets and/or shelving. The 4 door Wildwood is a great example. Finally, a fish tank perched on top of a TV stand, or on a shelf does not have the aesthetic appeal of an aquarium stand.   

Where to put your aquarium stand 

Fish tanks are a splash of nature that can light up any space.  Select a prime location that blends well with your overall décor and allows for optimal viewing. It is best to choose a spot that is easily accessible to facilitate maintenance, feeding and cleaning. They should not be placed in direct sunlight as this can accelerate algae growth and temperature fluctuations which can be harmful to your aquatic pets. You also want to make sure that your aquarium is placed near an electrical outlet so that you can easily power the filters, heaters, and lights. 

An aquarium stand is versatile and works well in any room, but they work especially well in a living room, bedroom, study, kitchen, or bathroom. They can also be a great addition to your home office or bedroom. Aquariums in your home office makes your workspace a place you want to be, and a fish tank in your bedroom can help you to get a peaceful night’s rest. Nowhere is a fish tank more appreciated than in your kids’ room, and an aquarium stand is by far the best way to keep both your kids and your aquatic pets safe.  

How to beautify your home with an aquarium stand  

Incorporating an aquarium stand can enhance the ambiance of a room and create a captivating look that compliments your color scheme. Consider coordinating the stand with furniture, like coffee tables or bookshelves. 

Aquarium stands come in different styles and materials so they can accentuate most decors. They can be minimalist, modern, traditional, eclectic, or rustic like the Farmington fish tank stand featured here. 

 

Stands made of wood tend to provide a more traditional aesthetic while metal offers a more modern look. Some tanks are even made with faux rattan like this chic modestly priced aquarium stand that comes with both open and closed storage. They can be rectangular, bow-front, or cube and they come in a range of sizes including 10 and 20 gallons all the way up to 75 gallons like the Harbor Aquarium/Terrarium stand. 

Aqua scaping gives you the opportunity to coordinate the tank's colors and decorations with the color scheme and design elements of your room. You can create an eye-catching aquascape by arranging plants, rocks, driftwood, and other decorations within the tank. There are no limits to the underwater world you can create, this includes everything from tropical and natural biotope, to whimsical, fantasy-based setups. 

Coordinate the substrate (sand/gravel) at the bottom of your tank, with the colors and textures of your room and the decorations in the tank. Adding a background can enhance the tanks visual appeal, while adding depth and hiding cords, and equipment. Lighting enhances the visual appeal of your tank design. Feel free to express yourself and add personal touches to make the tank your own.  

Your aquascape design will determine the depth of your tank. Certain fish species, taller plants and larger decorations need a deeper tank. So, the ideal height for a fish tank depends on what you plan to put in it.   

How to ensure the best viewing of your aquarium stand 

Higher tanks afford better viewing but are more difficult to maintain. The height of the tank should not interfere with the rest of the room while allowing for comfortable viewing at eye level when you're sitting or standing.  

Arrange seating near the aquarium for a cozy and relaxing viewing experience. Consider positioning sofas and armchairs, to make a dedicated fish tank viewing area. Use comfortable cushions to encourage relaxation and contemplation. Equipment like filters, heaters, and air pumps should be discreetly placed behind decorations and in designated compartments within the stand.   

So, what are you waiting for! 

A fish tank is a captivating, living piece of art that fosters tranquility. The beauty, strength, and stability of aquarium stands are the reasons why they are the best choice for your home and your aquatic pets. Simply put, a purpose-built stand from Ollie & Hutch is a soothing, budget friendly option that provides exceptional value and peace of mind. 

Click here to review a selection of well-priced aquarium stands like this ivory oak Rustic Farmhouse unit.