recommendation for a reliable tank stand

[FishQueen]

I just got a new 7-gallon cube tank for my Betta, measuring 12x12x12 inches, but now I'm on the hunt for the perfect stand. I'm really not a fan of the standard rectangular stands - I think they'd look out of place with a cube tank. What I'm really after is something with some extra storage, like shelves or drawers. I've been considering repurposing a file cabinet, but I'm not sure if it's sturdy enough to hold the weight of the tank. Has anyone else found a stand that fits the bill? I'd love to hear about it.

[infold]

When it comes to aquarium stands, always think 'more than sturdy'. You've got to consider the weight of the water, around 8 pounds per gallon, plus the weight of the setup - sand, gravel, decorations, lights, filters, and heaters. I'd factor in around 12 pounds per gallon to be safe. You don't want your aquarium perched too high, making it top-heavy and prone to tipping over.

A real wood bedroom dresser or night stand can work great for aquariums up to 20 gallons. Just make sure it's real hardwood, not particle board. Hardwood is denser and stronger, while particle board is a bit iffy in my opinion. Plus, particle board gets weak when wet, almost like cardboard.

Try checking out used furniture stores - you're bound to find something that suits your needs.

[bettaMagenta]

For a 7-gallon tank, a standard metal file cabinet should be sturdy enough, just keep in mind that in the unlikely event of a leak, any documents stored inside could be ruined. If you're planning to use it as a file cabinet and want to center the tank on top, I'd suggest cutting a board to fit the cabinet's surface to distribute the weight more evenly, especially if you're using a modern, economy-grade metal file cabinet.

[WildFins]

Using a filing cabinet as an aquarium stand is not just about weight capacity. Another thing to consider is the noise from the drawers. If you plan to use them for storage, the sound of opening and closing can stress your fish.