Wal-Mart aquarium stand: good or bad?

[tom91970]

I was wondering if any of you have ever purchased a stand from the evil empire known as Wal-Mart. Their stands are cheaper than what I find at the LFS but I am concerned about the quality. These stands come in a box and have to be put together at home.

How well do they hold up and are they sturdy? I do not want to put something as heavy as a tank on what could be made from particle board (I'm really not sure what kind of wood is used) or something that a small child could tip over.

 

[SinisterKisses]

Love mine actually. They've since changed the look of it from the one I have (purchased about 2 years ago), but I have absolutely no problems with it. Was easy to put together, very sturdy...I would buy another from them if I needed to.

 

[tom91970]

hmmmmm...I guess someone with over a dozen tanks should know what they're talking about! Thanks

 

[scubadude]

i had one for about 4 yrs. held up good untill a filter problem caused a slow drip down the side of the tank that went unnoticed a couple of days. the particle board soaked up the water and slowly decayed and the stand had to be replaced a year later to avoid disaster (55 gal of water on floor) i would say they are OK, of course there is better stuff out there. go ahead and get one, but if it ever gets wet check it for decay at least once a month.

 

[Katie217]

Good little stands, but like scubadude said if they get wet its bad...mine got wet then sorta 'puffed' up then started chipping. sooo i got a new stand (same one tho, tank just leaked)

 

[tom91970]

That's the problem with particle board. It gets wet and it's ruined. As for putting a 55 gallon on one that is a scary thought. I would worry about the weight from a 29....a 55 gallon on one would probably keep me stressed!

I guess adding some kind of sealant would be worth the effort.

 

[Grumpy_Marine]

I have two stands one metal frame works great, then i have a particle board one... it has slight water damage in the back behind tank, but it is well built and holding up well. You shouldn't run into a water problem with them as it should only be a little bit if any spillage on the stand, if it becomes a problem that means the tank has a leak or something. I like both mine, but my next tank will have a marble top stand from LFS just because i like the looks of it.

 

[scubadude]

Good little stands, but like scubadude said if they get wet its bad...mine got wet then sorta 'puffed' up then started chipping. sooo i got a new stand (same one tho, tank just leaked)

thats exactly what happened with mine. i replaced it with another particle board stand for a 75 gal, but this time i sealed all exposed particle board (all on the back side) that did not have the vynal finish on it. hopefully if there is another drip (i check often now) the sealant will help protect it.

 

[sylentmode]

i've got one....the black particle board one with a 29 sitting on it. Its a good stand for the money..looks pretty good too. I'd recommend it in fact.

 

[Mountain Dewd]

I have one from Wallyworld too and I think it is good value for money. Water damage is a possibility of course but if you are worried you can try and put a sealant on the exposed particle board parts which are typically on the back out of sight anyway which will ease your concerns a bit.

I didnt bother with mine but it is an option for you. It only makes them water resistant though not water proof. So if there was a flood in the home you would probably be looking at some sort of damage to the stand anyway.

They should last for years under normal circumstances.

 

[iplaydafoozball]

i have a black particle board one from wal-mart for my 46 bow. my dad and i didn't think it would be too sturdy so we built a back brace out of 2x2's. when i knock on the brace, i can tell it's taking some pressure. although, i figured if they make them as aquarium stands, they should be able to support an aquarium. we were just unsure about it. and i haven't gotten it wet yet but i sure hope it stays dry, that particle board would be no fun if it got wet.

 

[CoolWaters]

my cusin got a 55g stand for like $60 still standing

 

[Fuzz16]

the way people are talking it sounds like the wood is cheap and pressed. if so i wouldnt advise getting it.

but i dont know much about walmart stands...thier cheap hence why they can be sold cheap. JMO

 

[Jayrod7]

stands dont really make a difference were you buy them, be sure to buy a full wood and or metal, dont buy the pure metal ones cuase they are not very sturdy, i bought my stand at i think walmart or a store like that and its a nice one, lasted me 5 years.

 

[Jayrod7]

stands dont really make a difference were you buy them, be sure to buy a full wood and or metal, dont buy the pure metal ones cuase they are not very sturdy, i bought my stand at i think walmart or a store like that and its a nice one, lasted me 5 years.