fishroom racks

[mightieskeeper]

I'm planning on building a Aquarium rack for 20 talls.  I want six on each shelve.  Will 2x4's be enough to support that much weight?  The supports will be horizontal only with no middle vertical supports. The stand will have 3 tiers.   Thanks Ryan

[gmaschke]

Personally, I think no.  I had a 40 breeder and a 20 High on a 2 x 4 shelf and it caused the 40 to leak due to the 2 x 4 bowing.  although, the 20 highs individually will be more rigid than the 40 breeder due to its dimensions, however 6 maybe stretching the limits 4 likely ok, 5 maybe, 6... I personally wouldnt do it.

[Regalblue]

Make two racks of 9 or have a vertical support in the middle.
Then at least you'll KNOW they're good.

[Ron]

The longest span I've done for a single 2x4 between vertical supports is ~49.5", enough for a 48"Lx18" tall tank. In that application I've noticed no bowing.

Rather than going to a 2x6, you might be able to double up 2x4s to help prevent bowing/deflection. I'm not a builder, so I don't know exactly how the math works out with regards to strength and deflection, but I suspect if you look into it this solution might be reasonable.

[GrizzlysDad]

Ryan, I can show you some tips when you pick up the 20H's. I might even have something you would be interested in.

[mightieskeeper]

Cool Tony!
Thanks Guys for the input.