Freshwater

One option is to head down to the hardware store, buy some good hardwood
lumber such as oak, and build an aquarium stand yourself. You may find out
that a homemade stand costs as much as or more than a manufactured one.
But if you have the know-how, an interesting idea, cool tools, and the energy
to turn off the TV and head out to the garage, go for it. Make sure the stand
you make is firm enough to support the weight of the tank. You can test the
stand by adding books or other heavy materials to it. Add enough books to
equal the total weight of the aquarium that will be sitting on it (see earlier in
this chapter for aquarium weight estimation).
Material-based stands
Material based stands are made of any man-made material that is not metal
or hardwood. Examples include fiberboard and acrylic stands.
Mixed-media stands
Mixed media stands are made for those people who want to combine an
aquarium system with storage shelving. These stands usually have an area
for the tank and extra shelves for displaying your CD player, books, and so
forth.
Bow-front stands
A bow-front stand has a semi-circular shape in the front to properly support
bow-front shaped tanks (tanks that are convex in the front). We personally
love the shape of these stands, but it all comes down to personal choice.
Placing the Stand Correctly
Chapter 4: The Tank and Stand
As we mentioned, the first step in setting up your aquarium system is finding
a permanent place to put it. Set the stand in an area away from drafts and
direct sunlight to keep the water in your tank from overheating or chilling.
Don’t put your tank in a garage or basement unless the room is insulated or
heated. Placement near doors, windows, and other drafty areas where the
temperature can change unexpectedly is a no-no.
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