Aquarium Stand Ideas

A great deal of work goes into setting up an aquarium. It should be displayed in a way that showcases the tank's design. Display stands can be found in almost every pet store. Aquarium stands sold in pet stores, however, do not offer much in the way of creativity. They are typically plain black metal stands. One alternative is a solid oak stand, which is durable but expensive.

  1. Aquarium Stands

    • Pet stores sell the most typical aquarium stands, but there are a number of alternatives. A beautiful way to add charm to an aquarium is to re-purpose unexpected pieces of furniture as fish tank stands. The key to taking an ordinary piece of furniture and making it artwork to be proud of is thinking outside the box.

      An aquarium stand does not have to be made of metal or oak. It needs to be strong and durable, but it does not have to ordinary or boring.

    Sideboard Aquarium Stands

    • One piece of furniture that can be re-purposed as a tank stand is an old sideboard. Most side-boards are the perfect size and shape to hold a large aquarium. If it is made from solid material, it can be brought back to life with a fresh coat of paint. One way to change the look is to remove doors and drawers and turn those spaces into small shelves to hold pet-related décor. Or leave the doors in place and store pet supplies inside out of site. For a twist on this look, try using a crackle finish or other faux finish on the sideboard to give it the illusion of antique furniture.

    Bookshelf Aquarium Stands

    • For an unexpected choice, try placing a medium-size sturdy bookshelf on its side and placing an aquarium on it. When placed on its side, a bookshelf is the perfect height to hold a fish tank. When using a bookshelf, anchor the piece to a wall. Fish tanks can be heavy enough to tip a bookshelf over if the shelf is not anchored. The inside of the shelves can be filled with books, but for a more creative look, place small art prints inside the shelves. Painting the inside of the bookshelf a color that contrasts with the outside lends an attention-grabbing flair to the piece.

      When in need of inspiration, visit a local salvage yard or secondhand shop. When taking a fresh look at old furniture pieces, the possibilities are endless.