I recommend a wood cabinet type stand. Try to choose models made from pine or oak. Pressed or particleboard models are prone to warpage and collapse if not properly sealed against moisture. Even pine and oak should have a clear coat of polyurethane applied. This makes cleanup of water spills a snap. Buying unfinished wood stands can bring out the cabinet-maker in you! Minwax and others make a nice product for applying both color stain and finish in one convenient product. More and more folks are opting for furniture-grade aquarium stands and hoods as the hobby moves from basements and backrooms to the living room.
A matching wood hood rounds out the overall aesthetic appeal of a furniture-style approach. Proper moisture sealant of hoods is even more crucial as evaporation can destroy the unfinished product. Ever see a beautiful cabinet and hood only to notice how the wooden lid bows like a boomerang? Once again, a little pre-planning and attention to detail pays huge dividends later on.
Now that budget considerations, space allocation and the actual buying decisions have been made, filtration decisions come next!
