Duff0712 Posted July 27, 2014 Report Share Posted July 27, 2014 I want to get a steel shelving unit for a tank project I want to do, but not sure what would be best. I would build one myself (cost would be better and better fit for exactly what i'd want) but I dont have the skills or the tools for it. If I could get something on Amazon or anyone knows of something particular that would be great. The tanks I plan on having: 12g bookshelf 20g long 2x 5g tank and setting up some tubs underneath (If its 4 or 5 tier) for emersed growing. (not worried about these weights) I've so far found this and the lb capacity seems to be fine, but I'm just not sure haha. I would definitely replace the particle board with plywood on this model though. NOT going to deal with that. http://www.amazon.com/Boltless-Storage-Shelves-URWM184872BK-Capacity/dp/B00DSAAYM8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1406446349&sr=8-2&keywords=steel+shelving or maybe this one would look nicer with less space on the sides of the tanks? My length dimensions would only get to 36" total. the other tanks would be 30" and 32" between the two 5's. http://www.amazon.com/UR185L-BLK-5-Shelf-Shelving-4000lbs-Capacity/dp/B006941Z6E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1406448355&sr=8-2&keywords=steel+shelving+36%22 I am trying to be on a budget, but I know in the long run a better stand will save me money/time, to possibly prevent it from collapsing I am so excited for this project though, between this and getting a cat for the first time ever, this next month is going to be awesome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ctaylor3737 Posted July 27, 2014 Report Share Posted July 27, 2014 Would be better to get it at Lowe's, or home depot. You also need to factor in cost of replacing the shelves. They are particle board Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soothing Shrimp Posted July 27, 2014 Report Share Posted July 27, 2014 I get mine at Menards. This is the type I use and then add 3/4" OSB on the shelves. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200493568_200493568 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duff0712 Posted July 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2014 Yeah I would definitely replace the particle board. I'm seeing that OSB can still break apart if wet (not sure if entirely true, but what I'm hearing) would it be worth getting plywood over? Also, I found a recylcing place nearby me that sells new industrial metal shelving pieces cut to the size I want at .30 a pound. Think it might be worth checking it out and seeing how much it would cost for the dimensions I want. At closer inspection it is the surplus and used metal sales that will be .30-.50 a pound, but I think I will still look into it. I like that shelving you have Soothing, however it is way too long for what I am being allowed haha and I am going to 4 to 5 shelves (if even possible). Looks pretty darn solid though. Wish it was shorter! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High5's Posted July 28, 2014 Report Share Posted July 28, 2014 I get mine at Menards. This is the type I use and then add 3/4" OSB on the shelves. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200493568_200493568 I'm sorry but you said Menards and it make's me lolz. Duff0712 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puddles Posted July 28, 2014 Report Share Posted July 28, 2014 How much space do you need between each shelf to allow enough room to get net in the tank and other necessary functions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duff0712 Posted July 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2014 Not sure really :/ probably 12" would be fine I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayr_Tigley Posted July 28, 2014 Report Share Posted July 28, 2014 I wrapped each of my shelves with trash bags (the black one) so the water(both evaporated and those i splashed around) wont destroy my MDF. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soothing Shrimp Posted July 28, 2014 Report Share Posted July 28, 2014 Not a bad idea Jayr. I know some people paint them so water beads as well. I know particle board and hardbaord expands and goes bad when wet. I haven't seen any problems with osb when wet. I suppose it is possible. Since mine is sitting on wire grating, I have it to give a flat surface and extra strength. I will say that the occasional "splinter" will come up, but nothing that is on a regular basis. I considered ply, but the cost was 2x-3x the price of OSB. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sbarbee54 Posted July 28, 2014 Report Share Posted July 28, 2014 put 3 or 4 2X12 underneath the MDF after painting it depending on the rack depth. So even if it does get wet it is supported. I find the racks at Lowes to be one of the best. I am moving shortly and since we decided not to by yet I am going to get all new racks so things ar setup and I just have to set the tanks down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soothing Shrimp Posted July 28, 2014 Report Share Posted July 28, 2014 How are you planning on moving your shrimp, Steve? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sbarbee54 Posted July 28, 2014 Report Share Posted July 28, 2014 I don't really know, I am stressing it now and I am 2 months out. I think am I am ready to accept allot of missed un caught shrimp dying because I have all but 2 tanks are rimless now. So all the water must be drained Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duff0712 Posted July 29, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 29, 2014 So probably silly questions here buuuut what is an MDF and what are 2x12's? I'm assuming wood for the 2x12 but idk how I'd add that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puddles Posted July 29, 2014 Report Share Posted July 29, 2014 How much was the OSB, Soothing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triton Posted July 29, 2014 Report Share Posted July 29, 2014 You can grab a 8x4 sheet for like $15-20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ctaylor3737 Posted July 29, 2014 Report Share Posted July 29, 2014 I don't really know, I am stressing it now and I am 2 months out. I think am I am ready to accept allot of missed un caught shrimp dying because I have all must 2 tanks are rimless now. So all the water must be drainedI feel for ya bro, I'm stressed about moving to the basement. I moved my discus tank but I'll be stalling on the shrimp lol. Best thing is to,get a few extra set of eyes to go over the tank. Wife found more that I didn't even see. Seems when you look at them everyday tend to miss a few lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dukendabears Posted July 29, 2014 Report Share Posted July 29, 2014 Steve- let me know if you need any help catching shrimp before you move. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soothing Shrimp Posted July 29, 2014 Report Share Posted July 29, 2014 How much was the OSB, Soothing? 2' x 2' x 3/4" costs $3.79 ea. I prefer to do it that way because I can carry them easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miwu Posted July 31, 2014 Report Share Posted July 31, 2014 I want to get a steel shelving unit for a tank project I want to do, but not sure what would be best. I would build one myself (cost would be better and better fit for exactly what i'd want) but I dont have the skills or the tools for it. If I could get something on Amazon or anyone knows of something particular that would be great. The tanks I plan on having: 12g bookshelf 20g long 2x 5g tank and setting up some tubs underneath (If its 4 or 5 tier) for emersed growing. (not worried about these weights) I've so far found this and the lb capacity seems to be fine, but I'm just not sure haha. I would definitely replace the particle board with plywood on this model though. NOT going to deal with that. http://www.amazon.com/Boltless-Storage-Shelves-URWM184872BK-Capacity/dp/B00DSAAYM8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1406446349&sr=8-2&keywords=steel+shelving or maybe this one would look nicer with less space on the sides of the tanks? My length dimensions would only get to 36" total. the other tanks would be 30" and 32" between the two 5's. http://www.amazon.com/UR185L-BLK-5-Shelf-Shelving-4000lbs-Capacity/dp/B006941Z6E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1406448355&sr=8-2&keywords=steel+shelving+36%22 I am trying to be on a budget, but I know in the long run a better stand will save me money/time, to possibly prevent it from collapsing I am so excited for this project though, between this and getting a cat for the first time ever, this next month is going to be awesome. I use these same racks I think. Got them at Home Depot and I've been stupid enough to use the particle boards. Luckily they have survived for half a year already but some are in pretty bad shapes. I need to replace the boards very soon. How do I choose what boards I should go with and their thickness? And will it be better/stronger to have it in one piece or, like soothing suggested, in easy to carry pieces? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triton Posted July 31, 2014 Report Share Posted July 31, 2014 Just tossing it out there. The best fish store around here uses cinder blocks and 2x4, make a 2x4 frame with the width of the tanks, then rest in on cinders... easy to move as needed Soothing Shrimp 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soothing Shrimp Posted July 31, 2014 Report Share Posted July 31, 2014 Triton, that is what I was going to do. My wife poo pooed the idea since I have 3 young kids under who may have decided to use it as a playset. Love the idea of easy moving and CHEAP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allicat Posted August 3, 2014 Report Share Posted August 3, 2014 I was looking at gettng this one from Lowe's. They had one similar to it at Costco as well. Maybe it would work? http://www.lowes.com/pd_319468-1281-MR4824WGB_4294936608__?productId=3529780&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1¤tURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=#BVRRWidgetID Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puddles Posted August 3, 2014 Report Share Posted August 3, 2014 That looks solid. Assuming 10 gallon tanks which are 10" tall, 4 shelves on a 72" unit gives you 18" per shelf. Seems like enough to work in and move a net around. Allicat 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soothing Shrimp Posted August 3, 2014 Report Share Posted August 3, 2014 regular cheap tenners are 12" tall Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun Posted August 3, 2014 Report Share Posted August 3, 2014 I use an old bakers bread shelve plenty of space and storage area. Sent from my BlackBerry 9860 using Tapatalk Allicat 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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