Carlton
Moyer
At the outset, planning to surprise your son deserves special appreciation. On top of it, thinking of a gift as unique as an aquarium stand is something that is sure to make the person whom you are gifting it to extremely happy.
However, choosing an aquarium stand isn't as easy as it seems. There are different varieties available and you need to choose one depending on your needs. If possible, you may also have to look for a stand that matches the decor of your room. The most important factor to keep in mind is that your stand should be capable of holding the weight of your fish tank, else all your fish will be kissing the ground in no time, if something untoward were to happen.
Remember to opt for a stand that is at least 20inches*10inches*12inches(standard dimensions of a 10 gallon tank in terms of length, width and height respectively). A wooden stand would be perfect for most settings, for they have an appeal that is unmatched by anything else. If you are on a tight budget, a wrought iron stand should be an ideal choice.
If you have a tank that is just about a few hundred pounds in weight, you might even consider metal stands or the cheap aluminum stands that are available in almost any online store selling aquariums and fish tanks. As a matter of fact, metal stands are the cheapest possible option.