I'd like to consolidate some of my basement tanks, and have been trying to decide whether it makes more sense to buy commercial shelving, or build something. (Well, I wouldn't be doing the actual building, but Carl has said he would).
I'm considering something like this: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/sto ... 401+502362
It appears sturdy, but the particle board shelves give me pause. Considering how I tend to spill water everywhere, I can just envision these things turning to mush unless I paint them, cover them with plastic, or replace them with plywood. Even if I don't get them wet, I wonder if they would bow in the middle after awhile.
Also, how "evenly distributed" does the weight need to be? If I wanted to put a 30 gallon (36" long) on a 48" shelf, is that asking for trouble? (That would be the biggest tank; the others would be 10 and 20 gallon tanks).
So what do people think? Has anyone used anything like this? Any other suggestions?
Shelving recommendations?
I build all of my own racks/shelves. I just built a rack that holds eight 40 longs (4 per side/back to back) I have about $100 in materials. Here are some other examples.
Michael Hill
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Judi
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Wow, that looks really nice! A bit more ambitious than what I have in mind, though. 
One reason I'm leaning towards commercial shelving is the flexibility. If I realize I need more space between shelves than I previously thought, that's easily fixed if the shelves are adjustable. The whole thing can also be more easily taken down and moved if need be.
One reason I'm leaning towards commercial shelving is the flexibility. If I realize I need more space between shelves than I previously thought, that's easily fixed if the shelves are adjustable. The whole thing can also be more easily taken down and moved if need be.
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chris_todd
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Re: Shelving recommendations?
Judi, come over to our house sometime soon. We have the slightly smaller version of those shelves (36" w x 18" deep), and I just setup a half dozen 5.5 gal tanks on one shelf (well, one and a half shelves).Judi wrote:
I'm considering something like this: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/sto ... 401+502362
And I had the same concern you had about the particle board, so I replaced it with 3/4" B/C grade plywood.
We used these shelves because we already had them, but if you're going to go to the effort of designing something, I'm sure you could build it better and cheaper yourself with 2x4s. And I can think of several ways to make the shelf heights adjustable.
I've used those wire shelves before and am still using one now. They work, but they do need reinforcing for larger tanks. I recommend getting something beefier like this: http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=p ... lpage=none
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Judi
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Chris, yes, I'd love to come see what you've got going on in your basement!
Aaron, I've seen those heavier duty shelves and like them a lot, but don't have the space for something that wide. (Unfortunately, I need to leave enough room in the laundry room for actually doing laundry.) Do you think I'd be OK with the 48" unit, or am I likely to regret it?
Aaron, I've seen those heavier duty shelves and like them a lot, but don't have the space for something that wide. (Unfortunately, I need to leave enough room in the laundry room for actually doing laundry.) Do you think I'd be OK with the 48" unit, or am I likely to regret it?
In my experience those wire shelves flex a good bit under the weight of tanks. It's enough flex to make me nervous about recommending them. I use one now, but the only shelf with a full tank (the rest are emersed setups) is supported by an extra upright that I fashioned to rest under the middle of the shelf.
I think you're better off appealing to Carl to build you something out of 2 x 4s. Make sure to paint the wood with a high gloss paint to protect it from any water spills.
I think you're better off appealing to Carl to build you something out of 2 x 4s. Make sure to paint the wood with a high gloss paint to protect it from any water spills.
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marydotson
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Judi,
A couple of years ago, I got a deal on "Metro" shelving--reinforced chrome wire units used in commercial kitchens. It's lightweight, but pretty heavy duty. Last week, we adapted one of these for the many tanks I was keeping around the house. So far, it is showing no signs of stress. I like that it wasn't hard to set up, we can lash cords right on to the sides and it is all pretty tidy (note: I do still need some more velcro wraps for the cords hanging on the right side).
<img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a45/ma ... -setup.png">
It sits right in my kitchen and yes, I am storing cooking stuff on the top. One of the cool things Rick set up is a remote control pump driven water changer (located the bucket in front) that drains into the sink (out of the photo). It makes daily 50% water changes a whole lot easier (and realistic).
IIRC, The Container Store sells Metro shelving. If I run into any problems, I'll let you know!
Best,
Mary
A couple of years ago, I got a deal on "Metro" shelving--reinforced chrome wire units used in commercial kitchens. It's lightweight, but pretty heavy duty. Last week, we adapted one of these for the many tanks I was keeping around the house. So far, it is showing no signs of stress. I like that it wasn't hard to set up, we can lash cords right on to the sides and it is all pretty tidy (note: I do still need some more velcro wraps for the cords hanging on the right side).
<img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a45/ma ... -setup.png">
It sits right in my kitchen and yes, I am storing cooking stuff on the top. One of the cool things Rick set up is a remote control pump driven water changer (located the bucket in front) that drains into the sink (out of the photo). It makes daily 50% water changes a whole lot easier (and realistic).
IIRC, The Container Store sells Metro shelving. If I run into any problems, I'll let you know!
Best,
Mary
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Judi
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Ooh, my brain hurts. Carl also asked his Dad (an engineer) and I think my eyes glazed over during the explanation that included phrases like "point of inertia".
Thanks for the input, everyone. I think I'll just dither about this a bit longer, then make a decision, and then second-guess that decision --that's what I do
Thanks for the input, everyone. I think I'll just dither about this a bit longer, then make a decision, and then second-guess that decision --that's what I do
