Hi Everyone,

OK, I know the topic of aquarium stands may not be as exciting as say lighting or filtration, but I think it is something many in the hobby have probably had to think about, especially if you have kids.

I have a standard 29gallon tank that is in the process of being turned into a reef tank. I will start a separate thread on the tank likely after I upgrade my lights in the next month. Anyways, what i am looking for help with is choosing a sturdy, preferrably hard wood stand to replace the current wrought iron stand I have. The reason is not so much aesthetics, but rather safety as I have a 2 year old who loves the aquarium but sometimes bumps into the stand, holds onto the legs, and could possibly crawl in between the legs and under the stand. The stand is secured to the wall so it could not tip over. I just do not trust the build integrity of the stand, especially as it is starting to show areas of rust.

OK, so I have been looking for a hard wood stand to replace the metal stand. What would you recommend? I do need access to the back as I would like to run electrical wires into the back, or one day install a sump. Two I have been considering:
1) Oak stand made by RJ Aquatics and sold by fishtanksdirect.com (Oak Signature Series 30 x 12), $325 shipped. According to RJ Aquatics (website, http://www.rjaquatics.com/Things_You...Know.html)says it is made of hardwood veneer plywood, and is less likely to warp than solid wood.
2) A solid oak stand from glasscages.com (Glasscages.com - Oak Stands). These are cheaper (~$200 shipped), but unlike from RJ's do not come sealed/stained. I have read several negative reviews on the quality of their custom glass aquariums, which has me concerned, but have found no reviews on their stands.
What are your thoughts? What stand did you go with if you were also thinking kid safety too? Do you know of another brand? Do you know of a Michigan company (i am in Ann Arbor) that constructs hard wood stands?
If you are selling a stand that would work for a 29gallon, I would also be interested in hearing from.

Thanks for any in put!