Callatya Posted November 7, 2005 Report Share Posted November 7, 2005 What do you use for stands for your tanks? I started off using pine stands, but after one ended up shaping itself like a >, i'm scared stiff of the things. Most are held together with glue and nails, and thats never going to work once you get so much weight on it. I have now moved over to hammerlok shelves, whichh are great, stable, and reasonably ok looking, but they come with particleboard shelving, which needs serious sealing. Mine are now gloss black. How many people here have metal stands/racks? These seem very common in the USA, but not over here. Anyone have cabinets? I'm thinking of getting a cabinet made (properly!) for a display tank, and i'm curious how you find them for maintenance etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuckie Posted November 7, 2005 Report Share Posted November 7, 2005 I have metal shelves, the 100kg ones from Bunnings. I use foam or newspaper under the tanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Posted November 7, 2005 Report Share Posted November 7, 2005 I still use the pine stands, although i always put screws into every joint before using them, even though they look sturdy, i dont trust 2 small nails and some glue. like lisa, with the smaller tanks for the bettas i use the metal ones from bunnings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puggle Posted November 8, 2005 Report Share Posted November 8, 2005 My 2 ft tank is on a small bookcase turned sideways, so the shelves give a bit of extra support. I have two sets of metal shelves that I put together to hold tubs, jars and a spawning tank. My friend left some stuff at my house while she's overseas, so now I have a very sturdy desk that's just the right size for three 2.5 ft tanks. Only one set up at the moment though. I have two 4ft tanks with a metal stand. It's a bit rusty and I don't know if it could support both tanks so I've only got one on it. It's not sitting level either. I don't know if it's the floor or the stand, so for now it's just got a little bit of water in it to keep jars warm. I'll have to get a new stand (eventually) before I set it up. Oh, and I'm getting a 3ft tank from my friend and it's got a proper stand and hood and everything :lol: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Betta_Di Posted November 8, 2005 Report Share Posted November 8, 2005 I use the 350kg* rated hammerlok shelves - I cover the MDF with pretend pine contact - almost looks real - just ask Jo I also use foam under each tank and a spirit level to make sure that the shelves are perfectly level (in every direction). Cheers, Di EDIT: * I use the 350kg rated system mainly because I beleive in overkill especially when fish and glass and water is involved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N*A*M Posted November 11, 2005 Report Share Posted November 11, 2005 here's my rack system. it's all welded steel and holds 2 x 4ft tanks and 1 x 2ft aging tank. it has internal 240V wiring, lighting, and circuit points. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N*A*M Posted November 11, 2005 Report Share Posted November 11, 2005 the feet are height adjustable to level the rack out. here is the bottom tank, which is divided in the middle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N*A*M Posted November 11, 2005 Report Share Posted November 11, 2005 this is the aging tank which i keep up the top. there is a hose with constant siphon so aged water is just a nozzle squeeze away. the same hose connects to the cold water tap to refill the tank. then the water gets conditioned, air bubbled and heated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuckie Posted November 11, 2005 Report Share Posted November 11, 2005 OMG i WANT!! That's a great setup NAM! I'd love an aging tank at the top. And a hose! Sadly I am limited to lugging buckets. Oh, I am so jealous! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Figure_8 Posted November 12, 2005 Report Share Posted November 12, 2005 fabulous idea NAM.. well thought out setup! ~mousie chief co-ordinater of the bucket patrol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
argylebetta Posted November 12, 2005 Report Share Posted November 12, 2005 Great rack set up NAM!!...are those kribs in the big tank??. I was going to buy four of the high racks with wood bottoms from bunnings for the revamped fishroom but I found a guy who will weld me up some racks and paint them for roughly the same cost. After seeing NAM's power points I think I'll get them fitted like that too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N*A*M Posted November 13, 2005 Report Share Posted November 13, 2005 thanks for the comments but i can't take credit for the design. the previous owner built the rack system but i have revamped a lot of it. it isn't that hard to make yourself but it will take a lot longer than building a wooden rack (especially if you have a nail gun handy). but the hollow square section steel makes it neater to hide wiring. if i were to make another rack, i would definitely try to leave more room between the top of each tank and the shelf above it. it is a little too tight in this set up and that's been a constant annoyance. just start by measuring and cutting your 4 vertical sections. link them up with horizontal sections allowing enough room for the length of your tanks. there will be 3 tiers so make 6 horizontal sections for front and back. then measure and cut 9 cross members to join up the front and the back sections. plan where you want to run the wiring and drill/cut holes in the vertical sections. weld up the crossmembers so that there are 3 per tier. you can make the the height adjustable feet by welding a nut to the bottom of each leg. then screw in a bolt and double nut it to keep it locked. in terms of costs, there's about $30 steel, $10 in nuts and bolts, $150 in electrical supplies and fitting. it would take a good weekend from start to finish. PS they are my juvenile kribs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mishy Posted November 14, 2005 Report Share Posted November 14, 2005 :tongue: You'd think with this set up one would find it hard to flood fish room... Think again.. guess who flooded the area? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bettabegood Posted November 15, 2005 Report Share Posted November 15, 2005 Perhaps it was deliberately done to wash the floor of the fish room, Mishy?? :tongue: Sue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mishy Posted November 15, 2005 Report Share Posted November 15, 2005 Carpet??? when we move in together, he is never, ever allowed near the tanks without supervision... :tongue: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Figure_8 Posted November 16, 2005 Report Share Posted November 16, 2005 LOL!!! Poor NAM.. guess that means your off the hook with the wc's! Pity GB isn't really a fishy person or I'd follow in your footsteps :eadshake: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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