help with DIY racks

[Contrl]

I'm wanting to build some racks to hold 2 55 gallon tanks and possibly a row of 10 gallons from measuring I'll have 84 inches total available.

I'm thinking of putting the 4 10's across the bottom 5 inches from the floor. then 5 inches free space, then the next support for the 1st 55
then 10 inches free space, then the next 55 with 13 inches between it and the ceiling.

I'm thinking build the racks to hold the 55's centered on 2x4 rails and either build the bottome shelf out with 2x4s screwed into the others, or a piece of plywood that'll give me the 20inch depth I need for the bottom shelf.

does this make sense or should I just build a totally separate rack for the 10's and give my self more room between the 55's??

[Diana]

I would not restrict the access to 5".
Practice with any of your tanks now. Put something over the tank at 5" and see how difficult it is to work in there.

[In.a.Box]

Here. Good DIY rack... From one of my buddie from another forum.


http://www.fishforums.com/forum/diy-...tank-rack.html

[jhays79]

Youtube search "teds fish room racks" excellent DIY video by ted judy on building simple solid racks that are strong.

[GraphicGr8s]

5" isn't enough room. And stacking 2 55s above a row of 10s is asking for trouble. It's too high to comfortably work on the tanks.

[Contrl]

Originally Posted by In.a.Box

Here. Good DIY rack... From one of my buddie from another forum.


http://www.fishforums.com/forum/diy-...tank-rack.html

Thank you,

I might rethink this and go with the 10's across the bottom and the staggered rack for the 55's... even semi staggered so that the stand stays the 20inches wide that the 10gals will need.

[Contrl]

Originally Posted by GraphicGr8s

5" isn't enough room. And stacking 2 55s above a row of 10s is asking for trouble. It's too high to comfortably work on the tanks.

I'll agree with you on the 5 inches... but I'm 6'6" and nothing is ever too high.......

[Merth]

Originally Posted by Contrl

I'll agree with you on the 5 inches... but I'm 6'6" and nothing is ever too high.......

ROFL at 6'6" you're gonna need one of those rolling things for working under cars to work on the bottom tanks so you dont kill your back!

[GraphicGr8s]

Originally Posted by Contrl

I'll agree with you on the 5 inches... but I'm 6'6" and nothing is ever too high.......

Until you have to reach the bottom of a 55 gallon tank at over 6' high.
7" is the minimum for me to work in. My 22 breeder rack has 10" between each tank. I'm 6'2" and the top tank is a tough one. If it is hard to work on you won't take care of it like you really should.

[james0816]

Brings up a good question.....

What would/should be the recommended spacing between shelves? Keeping in mind you will also have to have some type of lighting over the tank(s).

[leegordon79]

I've rebuilt many racks because I didn't initially give myself enough space. I now go no higher than 2 tanks high, even with small tanks. Going in and out with nets, hoses, filters, and everything else calls for at least 12 inches clearance above the top of my tanks. Everyone is different, but the more space you leave yourself the less you will want to rebuild them later.

[Contrl]

I think I've decided to do them 2 high and put the 10's elsewhere,,, and also to stagger them horizontally since I've got the floorspace.

I find that for me, none of my tanks are too high, but the lowest ones are too low to enjoy.

[shift]

I built one today for 4x 10 gallon tanks. did about 20-21" between the shelves to allow room for acces to filters, and what not

[rodcuda]

How about pics? I need to build some racks and the more info the better. But I am looking at just 2 high I think to keep them easy to get to.

[shift]