Whilst a 10 gallon aquarium isn’t the largest tank out there, like all fish tanks it needs to be properly supported. If you have a very sturdy desk that can hold around 110 to 120 lbs it may be an option, but the safest bet is a dedicated 10 gallon aquarium stand.
We’ve validated a wide range and found the Aqueon Forge Aquarium Stand to be the best 10 gallon aquarium stand overall for its versatility and functionality.
But we’ve also included a number of alternatives including cabinets, budget options, and some clever stands that can support 10 gallon or 20 gallon tanks! All so you can make the right decision for you.
So let’s dive straight in and take a look!
- Best Overall: Aqueon Forge Aquarium Stand
- Best For Versatility: Flipper 10/ 20 Gallon Aquarium Stand
- Best For Budget: Caitec TitanEze Double Aquarium Stand
- Best Traditional Frame: Aquatic Fundamentals Aquarium Stand
- Best Modern Frame: Aquatic Fundamentals Steel X
- Best Large Cabinet: Ollie & Hutch Farmington 10/20 Gallon Aquarium Stand
- Best For Biocube: Coralife Designer Biocube Stand
Best 10 Gallon Aquarium Stand Picks Reviewed
We spent many hours researching and testing some of the best 10 gallon aquarium stands available today to bring you our top picks. Each one has been specifically chosen for its durability and functionality, and we’ve covered a range of styles to suit any home.
1. Aqueon Forge Aquarium Stand
Photo: Amazon.com
- Material And Style: Powder-coated steel frame
- Dimensions: 20.0 (l) x 10.0 (d) x 28.25 (h) inches (base footprint area 22.88 x 16.13 inches)
- Maximum Gallons: Top shelf 10 gallons, bottom shelf 5.5 gallons
- Key Features: Duals shelves to support two tanks, reversible black/ light brown front wooden panel that hinges for access to bottom aquarium, reversible black/ light brown bottom shelf
- Best for: Overall
The Aqueon Forge is an awesome fish tank stand for a 10 gallon aquarium and is our overall top pick. The top shelf sits at a height of 28.25 inches and puts your aquarium right into your viewing line when seated so you get a perfect view of your fish.
The 20 x 10 top shelf will comfortably fit most rectangular 10 gallon fish tanks, and because the legs taper outwards it makes the stand incredibly sturdy. It will also support well over the average 120 lbs of a 10 gallon fish tank.
We also found the advantage of the tapered legs is you can place the 22.88 x 16.13 base against the wall but the top will still sit slightly forward, so you can easily get round the tank for maintenance or to fit a hang-on-back filter.
And with capacity to fit a second 5.5 gallon tank on the bottom shelf, this stand deserves the praise it receives from customers for being a stylish, strong, and versatile aquarium stand that’s also a beautiful piece of furniture.
2. Flipper 10/ 20 Gallon Aquarium Stand
Photo: Amazon.com
- Material And Style: Laminated MDF and particleboard cabinet
- Dimensions: 21.0 (l) x 15.67 (d) x 28.03 (h) inches
- Maximum Gallons: 10 gallon or 20 gallon
- Key Features: Supports 10 gallon tank or can be ‘flipped’ over to fit 20 gallon fish tank, single cabinet and 2 shelves for storage
- Best for: Versatility
The Flipper is an amazingly versatile aquarium stand as it can support a 120 lbs 10 gallon fish tank, or be flipped right over for a 240 lbs 20 gallon! The 21.0 x 15.67 inch platform supports most 10 gallon tanks without any overhang so you wont get cracks caused by uneven weight.
And we found if you do have it flipped over for the 20 gallon fish tank, the stand still sits well without wobbling, even on carpet. The cabinet provides plenty of storage space, and there’s an easy access slot at the back so wiring can be connected for equipment like external filters.
Plus there are another two shelves for further storage or decoration. Overall owners of this stand often report the MDF construct is very sturdy, and it feels like a quality piece of furniture as well as versatile to use for either tank size.
3. Caitec TitanEze Double Aquarium Stand
Photo: Amazon.com
- Material And Style: Powder-coated tubular steel frame
- Dimensions: 22.5 (l) x 10.5 (d) x 31.0 (h) inches
- Maximum Gallons: 10 gallon
- Key Features: Powder coated frame, supports up to two 10 gallon fish tanks, easy slot together assembly
- Best for: Budget
The TitanEze Double Aquarium Stand is another fantastic option if you want to support two tanks. It’s also one of the cheapest stands we’ve featured so great if you are on a budget. Each level can hold a 10 gallon aquarium, or you add plywood at the bottom to double as a shelf.
The frame itself is made of powder-coated tubular steel, which is very strong and water resistant. Although some owners report the legs can wobble slightly on uneven surfaces, it highlights that the stand must be set up and leveled before use.
At 31.0 inches high, we found that it placed the top tank at a great height for viewing your fish when sitting. And the height also gives plenty of access to the bottom tank for maintenance, as well as room for external equipment such as external filters.
Overall this stand is great value for money and receives high praise for its ability to support two tanks, and its easy ‘no-tools-required’ assembly.
4. Aquatic Fundamentals Aquarium Stand
Photo: Amazon.com
- Material And Style: Powder-coated traditional steel frame
- Dimensions: 20.9 (l) x 11.0 (d) x 27.8 (h) inches
- Maximum Gallons: 10 gallon
- Key Features: Powder coated frame, supports 10 gallon fish tank up to 100 lbs, traditional style frame with scrollwork
- Best for: Traditional Frame
This powder-coated steel frame from Aquatic Fundamentals is a cost effective, traditional style option that’s made to support a 10 gallon fish tank. The scrollwork makes it a great choice if you are looking for a stylish, but classic look to fit with your furniture.
The steel construction makes it durable, but some owners do report that it can be slightly wobbly if not set up on a completely level floor. It also supports up to 100 lbs of weight, so check your 10 gallon fish tank is within this as often they can be 110 to 120 lbs when filled.
It’s also a nice slimline option as the footprint on the floor is 20.9 x 11.0 inches, meaning you can sit it close to the wall but still have room to get round for maintenance. Overall this is a good value for money stand if you are looking for a classic style frame.
5. Aquatic Fundamentals Steel X
Photo: Amazon.com
- Material And Style: Powder-coated modern steel frame with wood shelves
- Dimensions: 20.8 (l) x 12.0 (d) x 28.0 (h) inches
- Maximum Gallons: 10 gallons
- Key Features: Powder coated frame, supports 10 gallon fish tank up to 100 lbs, modern frame with X-brace style
- Best for: Modern Frame
An alternative, although more expensive, option to the standard Aquatic Fundamentals stand is their ‘Steel X’ version. This 10 gallon stand is capable of supporting up to 100 lbs, so be careful to check your aquarium is not likely to weigh over that.
It’s a sturdy stand, and although some owners have reported it can wobble, we found that as long as you bolt it together firmly and sit it completely level it will be very stable. And at 28 inches in height it means your tank is at a perfect level for viewing your fish.
The beautiful wood-grain effect shelves mean it’s fine if your aquarium is slightly smaller than the 20.8 x 12.0 inch top shelf as it will still sit firmly. And the bottom shelf is easily accessible, and along with the open style frame it makes it easy to set it up with any additional equipment.
6. Ollie & Hutch Farmington 10/20 Gallon Aquarium Stand
Photo: Amazon.com
- Material And Style: Laminated MDF and particleboard cabinet
- Dimensions: 26.7 (l) x 15.67 (d) x 30.0 (h) inches
- Maximum Gallons: 20 gallons
- Key Features: Cabinet style stand constructed of laminated MDF, two storage shelves, access slot at rear to accommodate wiring, easy to assemble
- Best for: Large Cabinet
The Ollie & Hutch Farmington is a sturdy, cabinet-style aquarium stand that can support either a 10 gallon or 20 gallon fish tank. It can support up to 240 lbs, which easily covers the average weight of a 20 gallon fish tank.
You get plenty of storage with this cabinet, with the bottom shelf and fixed shelf in the middle, which can hold up to 50 lbs. So perfect for holding heavier items such as extra substrate or even a small sump. And the access slot makes wiring equipment inside the cabinet simple.
Whilst some owners have reported some damage resulting from packaging issues this has been on the larger versions of the stand. Overall most people report this is an incredibly sturdy and modern stand, which is easy to assemble and looks great in the home.
7. Coralife Designer Biocube Stand
Photo: Amazon.com
- Material And Style: Tinted acrylic coated particleboard cabinet
- Dimensions: 15.5 (l) x 16.0 (d) x 29.0 (h) inches
- Maximum Gallons: 16 gallons
- Key Features: Tinted acrylic panels with slim black handles, shelf inside for storage, two cut out holes in rear for wiring access
- Best for: Biocube
If you own a Coralife Biocube 14 or 16 gallon aquarium, this is the perfect accessory. But even if you don’t, it’s an awesome cabinet-style stand for a smaller fish tank.
We’ve included it with our 10 gallon aquarium stand picks as although you can use it with up to a 16 gallon Biocube, it’s great for unusually shaped tanks of about 10 gallons. Bow fronts, for example, often come in non-standard sizes like 8 or 15 gallons but will fit this stand perfectly.
The storage area is large and includes two shelves where you can fit your accessories and equipment. And the two holes in the rear allow for easy wiring access for a canister filter or sump. The tinted door is a nice touch too, and adds to the stylish look of the stand.
Overall this aquarium stand receives high praise from owners for its quality, durability, and ease of assembly. So if you are looking for a modern and stylish cabinet to support your 10 gallon tank, or a size that’s slightly over, this stand is the perfect option!
What To Consider When Choosing The Best 10 Gallon Aquarium Stand
A 10 gallon fish tank may not be the biggest aquarium, but it does need to be supported properly. Let’s look at some of the key considerations you need to bear in mind.
Size Of Your Tank
10 gallon fish tanks come in many shapes and sizes, from standard rectangular prisms to cubes or bow front tanks. A tank stand must have the right dimensions for your aquarium. Many rectangular 10 gallon tanks have a base of around 20 x 10 inches.
So a stand with a slightly larger platform is needed as the aquarium must be fully supported. If the stand is too small and the tank overhangs you risk cracks due to uneven weight distribution. Or if the stand is much too big for the tank there’s a risk it could become unbalanced.
Some aquarium stands consist of a sturdy metal frame but without a solid platform. So your fish tank sits directly on the frame, usually within a slight recess to support it. These still make great stands and will support the weight evenly. But it’s even more important to use the correct size.
Weight Of Your Tank
An empty glass 10 gallon fish tank is likely to weigh around 10 lbs. After you’ve filled it with about 83 lbs of water [1], then substrate, and equipment, it could weigh around 110 to 120 lbs. Most 10 gallon aquarium stands are rated for this weight but it’s important to check.
And do use this as a guide. Several factors can make the weight of your tank differ, such as whether it’s made of acrylic or glass, the type and amount of substrate you use, and even whether it’s a freshwater or marine tank.
Marine aquariums are heavier primarily because saltwater is more dense than freshwater [2], but there also tends to be more equipment and live rock or coral to account for. So make a note of the weight of your tank, substrate, and equipment to check your stand can handle it.
Height Of Your Aquarium Stand
A 10 gallon aquarium stand will usually have a height between 28 and 31 inches. When choosing the best 10 gallon aquarium stand, it’s key to have the right height so that it’s at a comfortable level to view your fish when seated.
It’s also important it’s not too high so it’s difficult to access your tank for feeding or maintenance, or too low so that it causes problems for gravity dependent filters or siphons.
If you plan to buy a double stand that can support two fish tanks one above the other, then it’s also key to check the height of your tank. You want to make sure the bottom fish tank will fit comfortably on the stand with enough clearance to access it.
Water Resistance
Whether your 10 gallon fish tank stand is made of wood or metal, or a combination of both, it’s important that it can resist water. Spills are inevitable from time to time, for example when doing a water change, and you don’t want wood to warp or metal to corrode.
To prevent this, the best 10 gallon fish tank stands are always coated with a water resistant finish. Metal stands are often powder-coated, and wood tends to be laminated. Just check that the stands you are choosing from have a water resistant barrier.
How To Choose The Best 10 Gallon Aquarium Stand
There are several factors to think about when looking for the best 10 gallon aquarium stand for you.
Type Of Stand: Simple Vs. Cabinet
Fish tank stands usually come in one of two styles. Either a simple frame, sometimes with shelves, or a cabinet. Which you choose is really a matter of personal preference depending on what functionality you want and the style that suits your home.
It’s true that some simple frames are cheaper, but you can get cheap cabinets too. Overall a good quality cabinet tends to be a great choice as it provides plenty of storage too. Specialized marine tank stands tend to be cabinets so you can store equipment such as a sump out of sight.
Design And Materials
When it comes to finding the best 10 gallon fish tank stand, you’ll need to balance functionality with aesthetics. It’s easy to see the difference in style between a metal frame or wooden cabinet to help decide which would fit best in your home.
But the materials your aquarium stand is made from also matter in terms of durability and functionality. The most common materials are:
- Metal: Metal stands are usually made from steel and powder-coated to give them a water proof finish. Steel stands are the strongest aquarium stands and often used for heavy fish tanks.
- Particleboard: A material common in aquarium cabinets, particleboard is made from wood chips and shavings compressed with glue [3]. It is strong enough for smaller to medium sized tanks and is coated for water resistance.
- Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF): Some cabinets also use MDF, which is a stronger version of particleboard. It is made from heat-pressed wood fibers mixed with resin, and doesn’t expand or contract as much as wood.
- Plywood: This material is often used in kitchen cabinets and is stronger than MDF, but usually more expensive. As with kitchen cabinets, aquarium stands made from plywood are coated to stop the wood reacting to moisture and warping or cracking.
Ease Of Set Up And Assembly
Like many items of furniture, aquarium stands often need some assembly. We’ve made sure all our top picks on this list have detailed instructions and are easy to put together. Even if you have limited DIY skills you should be able to put most of them together in around 45 minutes!
But do make sure you follow the instructions carefully. Incorrect assembly can affect the structural stability of the stand so you’ll want to take the time to make sure all the parts have been properly fitted together.
Cost Vs. Value For Money
Value for money is important when it comes to finding your 10 gallon fish tank stand. For example, if you have an overall budget for your setup you are likely to want to spend more on the aquarium itself than the stand.
But do make sure you don’t just buy a fish tank stand purely based on price. Your stand is the foundation to your tank and needs to be able to support it safely, so make sure you are buying a quality product by researching and reading reviews on sites like Amazon.
Custom Vs Store Bought Aquarium Stands
We’ve featured some of the top aquariums stands for 10 gallon fish tanks in our list, with a range of simple frames and cabinets. And in most cases you should have no problem finding the right stand for a 10 gallon tank.
Custom stands are more expensive and tend to be used on larger tanks, or those with unusual shapes like bow fronts. The other alternative is to make a DIY stand, but if you do choose this route make sure that you used the right materials discussed above and that it can take the weight.
Our Verdict
If you are looking for a contemporary, and versatile stand capable of supporting more than one tank, the Aqueon Forge Aquarium Stand is our overall top choice.
But if you prefer a cabinet, the Ollie & Hutch Farmington 10/20 Gallon Aquarium Stand or versatile Flipper 10/ 20 Gallon Aquarium Stand are both excellent options.
Whichever you go for, we’ve specifically chosen all of the options on this list for their balance between aesthetics, functionality, and quality so you can concentrate on choosing which will work best for you and your home.
FAQs
Check out our answers to some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to choosing the best 10 gallon aquarium stand.
How Much Does A 10 Gallon Aquarium Weigh?
When filled with water, substrate, and equipment, a 10 gallon fish tank can weigh around 110 to 120 lbs. So it’s important your stand can support at least this weight.
Does A 10 Gallon Aquarium Always Need A Stand?
A tank that is larger than 10 gallons (e.g. 15 or 20 gallons and upwards) should always be supported by an aquarium stand. A 10 gallon fish tank may be able to be supported by a very sturdy cabinet as long as it is completely level and can take the weight.
Can I Place A 10 Gallon Aquarium On A Desk Or TV Stand?
If you have a very strong desk you may be able to support your 10 gallon aquarium, but a TV cabinet is unlikely to be able to distribute the weight correctly. For peace of mind the best option is to use a 10 gallon aquarium stand.
