When it’s time to put your aquarium on display, you’re going to need the best 40 gallon tank stand around. You don’t want to get something that’s too fragile, but you also shouldn’t spend every last penny just to make it work. Instead of having to look all around the internet for yourself, this list is created to take the hard work away and give you all of the best choices right here in one place.
Finding the best 40 gallon tank stand can also be a challenge because they’re not as common as the other sizes. Many people settle for a 29-30, or they go all the way up to 55. However, 40-gallon tanks have amazing advantages and they’re a perfect middle size for people who don’t have tons of space. If you’re ready to dive right in and select the top choice for your home, then check out the options below!
What are the Best 40 Gallon Tank Stands?
1. Aquatic Fundamentals Upright Aquarium Stand
Coming in at number one is a stand that works for fish tanks all the way passed 40 gallons. If simplicity is what you’re after, then this one will come as a nice surprise. With an added touch of convenience thanks to the storage space, this beautiful piece of furniture would be welcome in almost anyone’s house.
The center panel on this fish tank stand doubles as a door that opens via a light push. When it opens up, you’ll have access to plenty of shelf space to store fish food, nets, and various other items. You can even put the pump for the aquarium inside of the stand thanks to the open back that helps with ventilation.
There’s also a center support brace on the backside of the stand that helps support it in place. Customers love this stand because it’s narrow in the center, but it offers a widened support base to give ample space for bigger fish tanks. Even if your tank is smaller than 40 gallons, this stand will be a great addition.
Pros
- Comes with a middle door and plenty of storage
- Wide base and top shelf for tanks up to 45 gallons
- Open backboard for airflow
2. Imagitarium Brooklyn Metal 40 Gallon Fish Tank Stand
Next on the list is a much more durable solution for people with kids or pets that always seem to knock everything over. When you’re after longevity and strength through all sorts of wild activities, nothing beats steel. The Imagitarium Brooklyn Metal Tank Stand is a true beast of a 40 gallon fish tank stand that anyone would love to have.
The open sides, back, and front on this unit allow you to store the pump right in the center without anything blocking it. This much airflow is just about as good as it gets, which is a huge problem solver for older motors and new ones alike. If you don’t need too much storage, then you should definitely consider this model.
Another fantastic feature worth noting is the wide base on this fish tank stand. A wide base that doesn’t taper helps support the entire aquarium without any chance of tipping over. Bumps, drops, and sliding won’t stand a chance against this sturdy product. It doesn’t hurt that it keeps all of the attention on the aquarium itself rather than the actual stand either.
Pros
- Comes with an open center for good ventilation
- Perfect for people with kids and playful pets
- Wide base to prevent it from falling over
3. Imagitarium Faux Woodgrain 40 Gallon Fish Tank Stand
Another Imagitarium aquarium stand has its well-deserved spot on the list as well. The Imagitarium Faux Woodgrain Fish Tank Stand might look like any ordinary cabinet, but it has quite a few unique features to propel it far above the competition. You can easily open its doors to find out what’s in store.
There are two shelves inside of this stand where you can store all sorts of items. Whether they’re fish tank products or family photos, the choice is up to you. With so much space to put everything, this stand definitely fits in the multipurpose category. Much like the previous entry at number one on the list, this one comes with an open back.
Putting this 40 gallon aquarium stand together only takes a few minutes. In less than half an hour you can have a brand new unit ready to hold your fish tank. It’s super sturdy, which means kids won’t be able to knock it over any time soon. The woodgrain finish pairs well with most modern interior décor as well.
Pros
- Comes with two shelves and two doors
- Includes a faux woodgrain finish for appearance purposes
- Easy to put together in under half an hour
4. Aquatic Fundamentals Bow Front Aquarium Stand
Last but certainly not least on the list is the Aquatic Fundamentals Bow Front Aquarium Stand. This product is very similar to the previous Aquatic Fundamentals unit, but it has a few differences that make it worth its own spot on the list. For starters, the curvature of it makes this stand work well with bigger fish tanks.
In fact, this stand works well for aquariums up to 46 gallons. Even if you have a 40-gallon tank, you’ll have plenty of extra room to give you peace of mind from the thoughts of it tipping over. The unique bow shape also helps prevent and spills or bumps from causing serious problems down the road as well.
Much like its predecessor, this aquarium stand has a center door that opens up to a shelf to store extra items. It also comes with the sought-after open backboard for optimal airflow and perfect ventilation for pumps. Store blankets, game systems, fish food, nets, cleaning supplies, and more all in one hidden convenient area.
Pros
- Bow-shaped front for a unique appearance
- Solid base to prevent it from knocking over
- Perfect for tanks up to 46 gallons
How to Pick the Best 40 Gallon Aquarium Stand
Now that you’ve seen the best of the best 40 gallon tank stands that money can buy, you’re almost ready to make the right selection. However, there are still a few variables to consider. For instance, you might want to think about the materials you prefer, the price range, and what you’ll be using the stand for other than to support an aquarium. All of these questions and more might seem overwhelming, but they’re all broken down thanks to the guide in this section. Enjoy!
Should you choose particleboard or stainless steel?
Choosing between particleboard and stainless steel is one of the first decisions that you need to make before you choose your next fish tank stand. However, both of them come with their fair share of negatives, which is why you want to make these considerations before picking out the first stand that works. Let’s jump into a few details to see why someone would pick one over the other.
Starting with stainless steel, it has numerous obvious benefits that would attract nearly any buyer. For example, it’s sturdier, it doesn’t break easily, and it can support a whole lot of weight on a small stand. If you’re the type of person that doesn’t want the stand to take away from the awe of the aquarium, then stainless steel might be at the top of your list. Stainless still is also great because it doesn’t rust or corrode if it’s properly taken care of.
People who choose particleboard might do so for plenty of reasons, like the fact that it’s almost always cheaper than stainless steel when you’re buying it. Particleboard is also very lightweight, which means you won’t need more than one person to put it together. It also works well for evenly distributing the weight of whatever sits on top or inside of it. The only real downside of particleboard is that it can’t take a beating without show scratches and scuff marks, making it unattractive for people who have cats and dogs that like to attack and investigate new furniture around the house.
All in all, they both have their own unique pros and cons that could make one or the other better for everyone. Write down your own list of what you’re looking for in an aquarium stand and compare it with the information you read above to come to a conclusion. Either way, you’re going to get one of the best 40 gallon fish tank stands off of this list.
What is the purpose of your aquarium stand?
This might seem like a silly question, but aquarium stands can definitely have more than one purpose. Many people like to use their fish tank stands as additional storage that may or may not pertain to the aquarium. There’s also the idea that you might want to use it as a centerpiece for a room, or even a nice added touch to expand the overall appeal of it. Before you buy the stand, try to figure out what you’ll be using it for.
Storage is a huge reason to look around for more, but there are a couple of different types. The stands on this list have closed storage, which is most ideal for those who don’t want everything out in place size. It’s also nice to have close storage so nobody has to see or hear the pump running when it’s in the living room. With an open back as most of these stands have, you’ll have no problem getting the proper air circulation to keep the motor cooled off.
If you don’t want to take away from the look and feel of the aquarium, try to find a simple design that isn’t too flashy. The stainless steel option on the list above does a great job of supporting the weight of the fish tank without taking over the show. It’s all about putting your tank on display, not the furniture that it’s sitting on. Generally speaking, less storage and doors means less distraction. However, the doors without handles that we’ve listed are perfect for giving you room to put things without dragging attention elsewhere.
How big do you want the 40-gallon fish tank stand?
There are multiple sizes to choose from when you’re buying a new stand for your fish tank. For example, if you want more shelf space on the top, then you should consult the dimensions prior to making the final purchase. Having a little bit of extra room on all sized of the aquarium is a nice way to add some cushion in case it gets bumped around. That being said, 40 gallons of water weighs quite a bit, so it probably won’t be moved without serious force.
Another size-related factor that’s incredibly relevant is the height of the stand. If you have a slender, tall aquarium then you might want to get a shorter stand. On the other hand, a short aquarium might call for a taller stand. The goal is to make sure that the actual fish tank is right around eye level so you and your guests can see in without having to bend over at all. Low handles might also cause problems if you don’t want to have to look down to use them.
Are you going to be using a pump with your tank?
Whether or not you’re going to be using a pump with your tank could have a direct impact on the choice you make. Most aquarium stands have an open back for ventilation, but without a pump, you wouldn’t have to worry about that. Some people also prefer a storage area if they have a pump, but if you don’t have one then you can opt for the stainless steel option on the list since it doesn’t have any place to put anything extra. As with everything in this guide section, the choice is up to you to optimize your aquarium setup!
Have a different size fish tank? Check our articles below!