Help - Setting up multiple tanks

JAY973

JAY973

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Dec 24, 2005
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Does anyone think these shelves won't hold up w/ full tanks? The figures below are just tank and water I expect heaters and covers would add a few more pounds. I got the weights from this website http://alysta.com/books/fishtank.htm

900#s - Top shelf with 4 20 gallon H
680#s - Middle shelf with 4 15 gallon
680#s - Bottom shelf with 4 15 gallon (sits on the floor so it's not going to fall far)

Picture78001.jpg


I used 3" screws on the 2x4's running length and 2.5" screws for the cross support also 2x4. Shelves have 3/8" plywood, bottom one is just scraps of what was left. In order to fit the tanks the length is wider than 48" I think about 50 3/8" inside 53 1/4" or so outside, 24.5" wide is the outside. If necessary I can get those exact measurements.

I got the one on top of the other idea from someone else who had racks like this holding up 75 gallon tanks, but I'm now concern it may not hold. Anyone else have racks setup this way?:help:
 
I would use either thru bolts or lag bolts on the 2x4 cross braces. They need to be the stronger then they are. If the 3" screws pull out or loosen your 2.5" screws will also pull out.
 
I agree on the lag bolts. It's best to over build the thing. I would also suggest filling the tanks is stages to see if you can spot any weakness before all the weight is applied.

Other than that..you clearly have a fish problem.
 
it looks pretty good so far. if you are really concerned, i would add "joists" from front to back under the 3/4''. space them out 16"
 
i agree with the lag bots... I have had screw pull out on me on general storage shelves that looked similar to yours..

What are you going to do with all of those tanks?
 
thats similar to a lfs that has been up for over 50 years,. but they have cement block under the long 2x4 at the ends,..lol

only weekness is the connection of the boards the wood should hold,..
 
vequalsir: I definitely have a problem...LOL

Sunshinessmile: The 20g Hs are for 2 pair GBR 1 long fin, 1 regular fin, and 1 pair of Gold rams not sure what to do with the 4th 20 H yet. The 8 15g would be for the fry.

I also have 3 55g, 1 33L, 3 20L and 1 10g. There's also a 90g to the far right not in the shot. I'm hoping to breed duplicaius cory's if I can get a breeding group and possible something kind of exotic pleco. 1 of the 55's is just a tank for miscellaneous fish which I use to seed/maintain sponge filters when new or not in use.

I'm taking the recommendations and taking it a step further with notch and bolt.

Here's another shot w/ an angle on the other tanks, this rack is notched.
Picture78002.jpg


Thanks for the help.
 
if you place your shelves inside your frame by notching your frame to accomidate your shelf boards you would have alot more strength, you would be makeing a lap joint that would share the stress with the fame and be alot stronger that butt ends nailed to the frame.
 
Yes, notched joints or vertical inside supports would be the best. That way you are treansferring the force of the mass straight down through a solid piece of lumber to the floor rather than relying on the shear strength of the screws.
 
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