Fish tank stand in Exeter
Professional fish tank stand services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-£160
Typical Duration
1.5-3 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Fish tank stand assembled and set perfectly level, or a custom frame built to support your aquarium safely. Everything checked for strength and floor protection if needed.
Your Tank Weighs More Than You Think
A 100-litre tank weighs over 100kg when filled. A 200-litre? Over 200kg. That's three people standing in one spot. Your stand isn't just furniture - it's critical safety equipment. Get it wrong and you're looking at a spectacular (and expensive) flood.
💡 Pro tip: Never put an aquarium on regular furniture like a sideboard or TV unit. They're not designed for the concentrated weight and will eventually sag, twist, or collapse.
Why Level Matters So Much
Here's the thing with aquarium stands: even 2-3mm out of level causes problems.
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Spirit-level perfect across both directions | "Looks level" to the eye |
| Weight distributed evenly | Stress concentrated on one side |
| Shims used on uneven floors | Feet wobbling on wonky floor |
| Cabinet doors close properly | Doors swing open or bind |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Build | Flatpack assembled correctly (all those fiddly hinges!) |
| Level | Shimmed perfectly level in both directions |
| Secure | Checked for stability, floor protection added if needed |
📦 You're Left With
- Rock-solid stand, perfectly level
- Cabinet doors adjusted to close properly
- Floor protected if necessary
- Confidence to fill that tank!
Pricing Guide
| Stand Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Small flatpack (up to 100L) | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£110 |
| Large flatpack (200L+) | 2-3 hrs | £110-£160 |
| Simple custom frame | 3-4 hrs | £160-£210 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Custom builds may require materials - quoted separately.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ New aquarium - get the foundation right from the start
✅ Flatpack nightmare - those instructions make no sense
✅ Wonky floors - old Exeter houses rarely have level floors
✅ Upstairs tank - need to check load capacity and spread weight
Why Choose Us for Fish tank stand in Exeter?
Perfectly level for even weight distribution
Strong enough to support your tank safely
Floor protection if needed
Cabinet doors adjusted to close properly
What to Expect
Step 1: Check & Plan
I'll look at where the stand's going, check the floor, and make sure we've got everything needed. If it's upstairs in an older house, I'll advise on floor loading and whether we need a load-spreader board.
Step 2: Build & Adjust
Flatpack stands go together following the instructions (even when they're rubbish!). I'll make sure all the cabinet hinges align, doors close properly, and everything's square before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Level & Secure
Using a long spirit level, I'll shim the stand perfectly level in both directions. No point building it beautifully if it's wonky! If needed, I'll add floor protection underneath or secure it to the wall.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to tackle your own fish tank stand? Here's how:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Long spirit level (at least 60cm)
- Screwdriver (cordless drill makes life easier)
- Allen keys (usually supplied)
- Rubber mallet (for those tight-fitting joints)
- Shims or packers (plastic ones work best)
- Tape measure
📐 Getting it level
- Assemble the stand first - don't level it while building
- Position it roughly where it's going
- Check level front-to-back AND left-to-right
- Use plastic shims under feet to correct - never cardboard (goes soggy)
- Recheck after shimming - adjusting one corner affects the others
🔨 Assembly tips
- Lay out all parts and hardware first - check nothing's missing
- Follow the instructions in order (tempting to skip ahead, don't!)
- Don't fully tighten screws until the whole thing's together
- Check doors open and close BEFORE levelling the stand
- Cabinet backs often need careful alignment - take your time
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Not checking level in both directions (front-back AND left-right)
- Using cardboard or paper as shims (disintegrates when wet)
- Overtightening flatpack screws (strips the chipboard threads)
- Positioning stand where it can't be levelled (trapped against wall)
💡 Pro trick: Fill the tank slowly while checking for leaks, and recheck level after it's half full. Sometimes the weight shifts things slightly. Better to catch it early than after 200 litres are in.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🏚️ Old house with wonky floors? Welcome to my world - Exeter's full of them. I carry loads of different shims and packers for exactly this. Your floor might be 10mm out of level across 1 metre, but your tank stand won't be.
Custom builds vs flatpack? Flatpack stands from reputable aquarium brands are usually brilliant - strong, designed for purpose, and fairly priced. I only recommend custom builds if you've got an awkward space or a really unusual tank size. Be honest about your budget and I'll steer you right.
Positioning matters! Think about access for maintenance. You'll need to reach the filter, do water changes, and clean glass. Don't trap the stand where you can't get to it. I'll advise on the best spot when I see your room.
Floor protection: If you're on upstairs wood floors, laminate, or nice tiles, I recommend a thick marine plywood board underneath. Spreads the load and protects your flooring if there's ever a spill. Adds about £25-40 in materials but worth it for peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a fish tank stand need to be so level?
Water finds level - if the stand isn't, the water will be wonky in the tank and you'll stress the glass seals unevenly. Over time this can cause leaks. I use a long spirit level to make sure it's spot-on before your tank goes on.
Can you assemble a flatpack aquarium stand?
Yes - I've built loads of them. The big brands like Aqua One, Fluval, and Juwel all have their quirks, but I know the common issues (like those alignment pins that never quite line up). Usually takes 1.5-2 hours depending on size.
Will my floor support a fish tank?
Most modern floors are fine, but I can advise when I see it. A 200-litre tank weighs over 200kg when full. Ground floors are usually no problem. Upstairs in older houses I sometimes recommend spreading the load with a thick board underneath, which I can supply and fit.
Do I need to buy the stand first?
Either way works. If you've already got it, great - I'll assemble and level it. If not, I can advise on what size and weight rating you need. Your tank should sit fully on the stand with no overhang.
Can you build a custom stand?
For simple custom stands, yes - I can make a basic reinforced frame if a flatpack won't fit your space. For anything fancy with cabinet work, I'd recommend getting a proper cabinet maker. I'll be honest about what's in my wheelhouse.
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