Plywood is made up of many layers of wood glued together to create one sheet of strong, durable wood these layers can be made from most woods, offering different levels of strength and appearance, and can easily be used for DIY aquarium stand building. Plywood is the most common material for aquarium stands to be made out of and can offer a large assortment of designs and colors. However, because particleboard/MDF is so inexpensive and widely available, many fish tank cabinets use it as a base anyway. Because of this, many hobbyists question its durability and shy away from it completely. This can become a problem with under-the-tank filtration and even make water changes more challenging and time-consuming. The edges are usually not as smooth.īoth particleboard and MDF will deteriorate when exposed to moisture even if professionally sealed. Particleboard is different and is made from many larger pieces of wood and has the tendency to chip over time. MDF, also known as medium-density fibreboard is made of very small, densely-packed wood fibers that create a clean edge on the sides. Here are a few differences between the most popular materials used and the most available aquariums stands: Particleboard/MDF Some materials work better for saltwater aquariums while others can be used for all setups. Material is important to consider when buying an aquarium stand.

Stand possibilities are nearly as endless as the many types of aquarium ecosystems you can create in your own home! Types of Material Many hobbyists place their aquariums on a piece of furniture they already own while others sketch detailed blueprints for a one-of-a-kind cabinet-style stand. Check Price on Amazon What makes a good aquarium stand?Ī good aquarium stand will be one that holds more than the weight of the tank, offers plenty of space for plumbing and accessories, is easy to access, and is an appropriate height.įish tank stands can be as expensive and elaborate or as simple as you would like.

Modern fish tank aluminum stand