This page has the full setup instructions for the TRUVU M5 Aquarium Stand. Your M5 stand arrives fully built, so there is no assembly. The guide shows how to place, level and set up your stand and aquarium, plus the removable back panel for sump filters and the optional canopy. Read the steps below, or download the printable PDF guide with drawings for each step.
Download the M5 Aquarium Stand setup guide (PDF, 4 pages)
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About the M5 stand
- Arrives fully built: no assembly required.
- 3/4 in. real wood veneer plywood, 30 in. tall. Black, White or Unfinished.
- Built to order: generally ships in 3 to 6 weeks.
- The canopy is optional and NOT included with the stand. It is ordered separately.
What's in the box
- TRUVU M5 aquarium stand, fully assembled.
Not included: the aquarium (sold separately), the canopy (optional, ordered separately; it ships only if you ordered one), and a foam aquarium pad (optional, recommended).
What you need
- 2 or more people to move the stand and the aquarium.
- A level, 24 in. or longer.
- A screwdriver with a square-head (square drive) bit, only to take off or put back the back panel (step 1).
- Shims, only if your floor is not level (step 3). Plastic or wood furniture/cabinet shims are sold at hardware stores and home centers such as Home Depot or Lowe's.
- A foam aquarium pad cut to your tank's footprint (optional, recommended).
Safety: read before you start
- Never move the stand or the aquarium with any water in the tank. Empty the tank completely first.
- A filled aquarium is extremely heavy; water alone weighs about 8.3 lb per gallon. Set the stand on a solid floor.
- The stand must be level and the tank fully supported before you add any water.
- Use 2 or more people to lift and move the stand and the aquarium.
- Electrical: keep power strips up off the cabinet floor, make a drip loop in every cord, and plug into a GFCI-protected outlet.
- Do not stand, sit or climb on the stand or canopy.
M5 models and stand top sizes
The stand top (L x W) is 1/2 in. longer and 1/2 in. wider than the model size. Example: an M5 48x15 has a 48-1/2 x 15-1/2 in. top. M5 sizes: 36x15, 36x18, 48x13, 48x15, 48x18, 48x24, 60x18, 60x24, 72x18, 72x24, 84x24, 96x18, 96x24 and 96x30. Door count may vary by size.
Acrylic aquariums: the M5 solid top is built for acrylic tanks. Glass aquariums: the tank, including its outside frame (the trim around the top and bottom), can't exceed the stand's top size. Check the size table (Figure B) in the PDF to be sure it will fit.
How to set up your M5 aquarium stand
Step 1: Removable back panel (sump filters only)
Skip this step if you're not using a sump-style filter. The removable back panel is only for use if you're installing a sump-style filter. Canister filters will fit through the doors, so leave the back panel on.
- From behind the stand, remove the back panel screws with the square-head bit. Take the panel off and set it aside.
- Angle the filter in through the back opening, then swing it straight once it's inside (it won't go in straight).
- Put the back panel back on and reinstall the screws with the square-head bit. Snug them; do not overtighten.
Do this before you fill the tank, while you can still reach the back of the stand. Cords and filter tubes pass through the gaps between the rear supports.
Warning: You MUST replace the removable back panel after installing the sump. Not doing so can cause a structural failure. Not using the brace will void the stand warranty.
Step 2: Place the stand in its final spot
Pick the final spot now; once the tank is filled, it cannot be moved. Set the stand on a solid, level floor. Leave space behind it for power cords and plumbing, and so you can reach the back panel. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heating and cooling vents.
Warning: Lift the stand into place with 2 or more people. Do not drag it.
Step 3: Level the stand
- Lay the level on the top, left to right.
- Lay it across the top, front to back, at each end.
- If it is not level, slide a solid shim under the base at the low spot. Check again.
- Press down on each corner. The stand must not rock; the whole base should sit firmly on the floor (or on shims).
Warning: Do not add water until the stand is level both ways and does not rock.
Step 4: Lay the foam pad on the solid top (optional)
A foam pad between the tank and the stand top is optional but recommended (not included). Wipe the top clean first. Center a foam aquarium pad, cut to your tank's footprint, on the solid top. Make sure it lies flat.
Step 5: Set the aquarium on the stand
With 2 or more people, lift the EMPTY aquarium and lower it straight down onto the pad (or the stand top if you skip the pad). Do not slide it into place. Center the tank so it lines up with the stand top on all sides.
- Acrylic aquarium: the solid top is built for acrylic tanks.
- Glass aquarium: check Figure B in the PDF to be sure it will fit.
Warning: Lift the tank empty, never with water, gravel or rock inside.
Step 6: Optional canopy (sold separately)
The canopy is optional and NOT included with the stand. Skip this step if you did not order one separately.
- With a helper, lower the canopy straight down over the aquarium. Its pegs rest on the top rim of the tank, so the canopy hangs down over the tank and hides the waterline. Center it and line it up with the stand.
- The lift top is hinged at the back. Lift it from the front, like a car hood, to reach the tank for feeding and care. Lower it gently when you are done; don't let it drop.
- The back of the canopy has a 3 in. tall strip of 3/4 in. plywood, flush with the top. The rest of the back is open so filters and equipment can fit.
Warning: Keep fingers clear when closing the lid.
Congratulations, your stand is set up. Enjoy your aquarium.
M5 aquarium stand FAQ
Do I have to assemble the M5 stand?
No. The TRUVU M5 aquarium stand arrives fully built; no assembly is required.
Is the canopy included?
No. The canopy is optional and ordered separately. It ships only if you ordered one.
Do I need to remove the back panel?
Only if you are installing a sump-style filter. Canister filters fit through the doors. If you remove the back panel, you must put it back on and reinstall the screws.
Will my glass aquarium fit?
The glass tank, including its outside frame, can't exceed the stand's top size. Check the size table (Figure B) in the PDF guide.
Need help? Contact TRUVU Aquariums.
TRUVU M5 stands are built in Arizona, USA.