Freshwater

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Part I: Aquarium Basics
Manufactured stands are generally made out of iron, steel, or wood. All three
materials make great stands, so it is just a matter of individual preference as
to which one you decide to buy. (Okay, okay, we give you a few hints: Just
read on.)
Wooden cabinet stands
Stands that include a built-in wooden cabinet are enclosed on the bottom so
that you can hide equipment and hoses that generally spoil the overall look
of your aquarium system. Chemicals, test kits, nets, and other paraphernalia
can be conveniently stored behind closed doors
Such a cabinet also allows you to buy a bunch of expensive aquarium junk
and hide it from your spouse. The only problem with wooden stands is that
they can warp under extreme weight (placing tanks on it that are too large
and hang over the sides), and they tend to bend if they become wet. They
tend to cost a little more than standard iron stands. Make sure that the aquarium
you choose matches the stand that you buy to avoid these problems.
But despite the drawbacks, wooden cabinet stands are the best stands that
you can buy because they look good, will not tip over easily, and often contain
shelves for storing items.
Angle and wrought iron stands
Iron stands are made of either angle iron or wrought iron. Angle iron stands
are welded together and have a bulky look to them. They would look great in
a medieval castle. Angle iron stands can also leave nasty marks on your floor
(if water gets on the metal and then sits stagnant on the floor under the
stand) or carpet (the weight of the tank pushed onto small legs instead of
spread out over the entire length of a cabinet stand, can leave indentations in
the carpet that are almost impossible to remove).
Wrought iron stands are made of thinner metal than angle iron and are a little
bit fancier.
Do-it-yourself stands
There are a few stands that you can purchase and build yourself, assembling
them easily with a few household tools. The pieces are usually made of pressboard
and include at least one shelf. These stands are not as strong as manufactured
ones and may warp or buckle if they get wet.