Tank Storage Shelving

[xMIDNIGHTx]

Hi everyone!

I want to get more organized and get a shelf for my 10 gallon tanks. I have looked at some shelves but I am worried about the shelf supporting the three almost full tanks.

What kind of shelving do you use?

Walmart has a nice 4 - Tier Shelving system that supports 350lb per shelf and is 14.0 x 36.0 x 54.0. I like how it is adjustable and the look but again worry about it holding three tanks plus some tubs on top. What do you think?

Thanks for your input!

Mitch

 

[Kaysie]

I think most of those shelving units aren't worth the money. I bought one that had aluminum cross pieces which bent under the weight of an empty tank!

The units I use now are Gorilla Rack units. I got mine at CostCo, but if you call the company, they can tell you where you can get some. I'm not afraid to push the limits on weight on this shelf. It's very sturdy.

 

[michael]

I agree with Kaysie on those costco snap together racks. I think a shelf can hold a 55 gallon tank. I set a bunch of them up and have them heavily loaded.

 

[xMIDNIGHTx]

Thanks for the suggests. I have looked to those and they look great.

Did you seal the particleboard shelves? Maybe with plexiglass or plastic, or maybe a paint sealer? I worry about these getting wet and wrapping. It seem that no matter how hard I try water finds a way to get on the table.

Thanks

 

[Kaysie]

I used the shelves as-is. They do get wet (I'm pretty sloppy when it comes to pouring water back in), but it's pretty high-quality stuff, and I've not had any problem. I've been using the same shelves for probably 4 or 5 years now. I've got model # GRZ 8460-5, with the double-rivet Z beams. I've had a full 55 gal on the top shelf with no problems (by top, I mean split into 2 shelf units. I'm far too short to use it as a 5 shelf rack!). It's a 5 shelf system, which you can split into 2 units (one with two shelves and one with three). I usually use the third shelf a few inches below the top shelf for storage (tongs, turkey basters, random tubing, etc). This also makes it pretty darn sturdy when there's a heavy load on the upper shelf.

They now make a laminate shelf for the racks for use in high-moisture areas (looks like model # GRZR5-3012-5imp / GRZR5-3012-5DI is the same type of rack I have, but in white, with laminate shelves). They might be worth the investment, but like I said, I've never had any problem with my shelves as-is. I try to sop up most of the mess with a towel before it soaks in too much, but they've gotten pretty wet before without a problem.

 

[Greatwtehunter]

I am currently using the metal racks from Lowes and so far so good. I have 4 10 gallon tanks on one shelf without any incidence. I can honestly say I have come close to testing the 350lb weight limit with only slight bending, but nothing to worrisome.

 

[hovey]

I used perforated angle iron, from Lowes, to build my shelves. 18"x60"x60". I have a full 55 gallon, a 20 gallon and 7 ten. All with filters etc. No problem with weight ,and being galvanized, I have no water issue. Not too pretty, but very sturdy, and I can un-bolt it and move it quickly.

ken