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I'm wondering how you can determine if something will work as a tank stand. I looked at some at petsmart tonight, and couldn't figure out what's special about them. Most of the ones in my price range appear to be some kind of particle board or composite. Then I was searching online and came across this one http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_ ... =stand&N=2 which is nearly identical to a cabinet I have in my dining room. So what's different about the construction of the stands that makes them better able to bear the weight of a tank? And is there any way to determine the strength of any given table?

Most tables and cabinets can handle 20 or 30gals as long as they are not wobbly or leaning. If two adults can sit on it without it creaking or wiggling you should be okay (fresh water is about 8lbs per gallon). Anything bigger should use a specially designed stand since the weight can get dangerously heavy. Of course there are some very well made tables and cabinets that could easily hold a 180 gallon aquarium, but you can usually tell a good quality piece of furniture when you see one. With that kind of weight though you will also need to make sure the floor joists can support it. I had to double up my floor joists and then run a supporting post and beam support under my 120gal reef tank in the living room to keep the floor from sagging.