Is a aquarium stand necisary for a 10 gallon aquarium?

Question

i have a really strong and sturdy bookshelf

Answer 1

A 10 gallon aquarium will end up weighing around 100 pounds. If your bookcase can hold it, more power to you.  You might place a wooden board on the shelf below in the middle of the shelf; that way, you have more support in the middle, instead of just on the sides.

The real issue is whether or not you'll be able to open the lid and reach the back of the aquarium easily. A bookshelf can several restrict your ability to deal with equipment, water issues, and fish issues when you need to do so.

Answer 2

No, a stand isn't absolutely neccessary for a 10-gallon. Just make sure that the bookshelf you have it on is strong enough to hold the weight of the aquarium (plus all the water) and won't wobble. Otherwise, I think you should be fine.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

I would think so. I didn't have a stand for my 6 gal. and it works great. I'd say if the stand is big and strong enough it would be fine.

Answer 4

The weight of the water alone would be 85 lbs.

That's even heavier than many older TVs of twice the size.

Add about 2-3 lbs for the weight of the plastic and fish = 87 - 88 lbs.

If you add standard gravel of approx. - 10 lbs it would displace some of the water. Your weight would be in the 90-100 lbs range.

If water (from the tank) leaks drips or condenses on any wood it's sitting on, in time it will seriously weaken the shelf. You really have to be careful because aquariums are often heavier than many people estimate them to be. Please remember that before you try to lift a filled or even partially-filled one.

You can really save yourself an unpleasant surprise by putting that weight on the sturdiest possible foundation and take into account water drips, possible leakage and condensation effects.

Answer 5

Make sure your book shelf can hold like over 100 pounds. Also, is it okay if it will get some water on it? Doing water changes will probably get some water on it. As long as you dont care about the bookshelf that much and it can hold the tank you are fine. Hope I helped!!