10 gallon tank on a 20 gallon stand?

[Se7en85]

Hi,

I am new to this forum and to the aquarium hobby

I just bought a 10 gallon tank (my first one) and I am not sure what to do with it regarding a stand. Money is an issue so I had planned to put it on an old wood dresser, but researching around I keep reading people saying it depends on the dresser whether it will support the weight or not as well as the water spilling from water changes ruining the wood after some time.

This led me to search for stands and most are quite expensive, except one I found in Wal-Mart for $30 but its meant for a 20 gallon. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Aqua-Culture-Steel-Aquarium-Stand/180670405?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227043047717&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=97258721072&wl4=aud-310687321802la-198787248992&wl5=9029805&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=180670405&wl13=&veh=sem

Its steel and looks strong, the problem is its for a 20 gallon. Is it a good idea to get a thick piece of wood cut to the same size as the top of the stand, put that on the top of the stand and then put the aquarium on it?

Also, since I know from looking on this forum a lot that DIY is the best option, unfortunately I have zero experience with building stuff

Thank you

 

[rlederer]

A 10 gallon tank will weigh about 90 pounds filled with water and 10 pounds of gravel. A dresser should hold it, but I'd be more worried about water damage to the dresser.
Go to Home Depot or OSH or KMart and look for shelving or stands. Shouldn't be hard to find something cheap.
If you do buy the Walmart stand, yes, a piece of marine plywood or plywood that is treated with some waterproofing is a good idea.