Where to place an aquarium?

Place your aquarium against an interior wall, away from direct sunlight, radiators, and high-traffic areas, on a stand designed to support its weight and on a level floor. Choose a room where you will see it often, with a nearby power outlet and easy access to water. Decide on the right location before purchase: once filled, the tank should not be moved.

Choosing the room

Our guides on how to succeed with a freshwater aquarium and how to start your aquarium cover the topic briefly. Here, we take it point by point.

The living room or an office are generally good choices: you spend time there, so you will quickly notice any changes. LiveAquaria advises against an isolated room in the basement, which makes it easy to forget. A bedroom is suitable if the noise of the filtration system does not bother you.

Swell advises against a conservatory, which is too hot in summer, too cold in winter, and too bright, with up to 18 hours of daylight in summer. A kitchen or narrow hallway mainly poses a risk of bumps and obstructions. Also measure the route: Swell reminds you to check that the tank can fit through doors and hallways.

Finding the right area

• Away from direct sunlight. It encourages algae growth and raises the temperature. Observe the room at different times of the day, as the sun moves.
• Away from heat and cold sources. Radiators, air conditioning vents, exterior doors: the water must remain at a stable temperature. In summer, read how to cool an aquarium.
• Away from high-traffic areas. A clear space limits bumps and reassures the fish.
• With space around it. LiveAquaria recommends leaving enough space to access the filter and lid. Also leave enough room above to reach in and remove the lighting.

Calculating the weight and checking the floor

One litre of water weighs one kilogram, but you must also add the weight of the glass, sand, rocks, and stand. LiveAquaria recommends allowing at least 10 pounds per gallon for an installed tank, or approximately 1.2 kg per litre.

First, calculate the exact volume using our method for calculating the volume of an aquarium, then add the weight of the stand. The ScaperLine 60 stand product sheet, for example, lists its empty weight as 31 kg.

The weight is concentrated on a few points. Place the tank against a load-bearing wall if possible, as LiveAquaria recommends. On a floor, a tank may vibrate if the floor lacks rigidity.

The stand and leveling

Swell advises against placing a heavy tank on a standard stand. Choose an aquarium stand designed for your model. It distributes the load and often conceals the external filter.

1. Check the floor. Lay down a mat or flooring first: Swell reminds you to do this before installing the tank.
2. Check the level. Use a spirit level in both directions. An uneven stand increases the risk of leaks or tipping. LiveAquaria reserves leveling blocks for smaller models.
3. Install empty. Even an empty tank should be carried by two people, as Swell reminds you. Do not change its position once the water is in place.
4. Fill and recheck. Check the level while filling, and stop if the stand moves.

Electricity and access

LiveAquaria recommends an outlet approximately one metre from the tank, without an extension cord. Swell advises against placing the tank directly above outlets, overloading an outlet, and recommends forming a drip loop on each cable so that water falls before reaching the outlet.

Swell also requires that appliances be plugged into a residual current device. Check yours, and call an electrician if in doubt. Do not touch outlets with wet hands, and wipe up any spilled water immediately.

Finally, remember water changes, either 20 to 25% per week. An accessible water source and a short route with the bucket make this maintenance easier. If you are still unsure about the tank size, see what aquarium to choose.

Frequently asked questions

Can an aquarium be placed on an ordinary stand?

Only if the stand manufacturer indicates a sufficient load capacity. Swell advises against placing a heavy tank on a standard stand. An aquarium stand designed for the tank remains the simplest choice.

Can an aquarium be placed near a window?

Avoid direct sunlight, which encourages algae growth and warms the water. A bright room is suitable, as long as the rays do not reach the tank.

Can an aquarium go upstairs?

Yes, depending on the floor and the size of the tank. LiveAquaria recommends having the load capacity checked for tanks of approximately 110 litres or more, and Swell prefers concrete for tanks of 500 litres or more. If in doubt, ask a professional.

Should something be placed under the aquarium?

Follow the tank manufacturer's instructions. Some tanks require a mat, while others have a frame designed for direct support. Adding foam to a tank not designed for it can create stress.

Can an aquarium be moved when it is already filled?

No. Swell advises never lifting or moving a filled tank. If you are moving house, follow our dedicated guide.

Read also

For tank size: What aquarium to choose? How to choose an aquarium?

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For volume: How to calculate the volume of an aquarium?

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For moving house: How to move with an aquarium

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Last updated: November 4, 2026.