Help installing heavy duty shelf brackets for stacked tanks

[bh750]

Hi all,

I'd like to install a series of 4 10 gallon tanks, stacked vertically. I'm using some of these shelf brackets. I expect the tanks themsleves to will weigh 80-100lbs max when full. These brackets say they can support 1000 lbs when "installed properly" . I am planning to use two of them for each tank, spaced 16" apart, installed on studs. The tanks are 22 inches wide and will sit on 3/4 plywood between the tank and brackets. I'm using 1 1/2 inch long lag bolts with washers. I'm taking this approach b/c of the space I have to work with (versus just building a full shelf out of 2x4s).

I guess my first question is, how is the weight distributed in this setup? is all of the weight on the lag bolts and 2x4 studs? Should the bolts be longer?

I'm paranoid they won't hold, picture them ripping right out of the studs .

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Style-Selections-White-Heavy-Duty-Shelf-Bracket/3034237

 

[redfishbluefish]

I personally wouldn't be happy with relying on the lag screws holding the weight. (This is true with any stand build....should not rely on screws/nails to support the weight.) In addition, looking at the reviews, a good number of these brackets were not square, and with one review, the weld on the support failed! For what you'd spend for these brackets, you could purchase fir strips for less, and build a four legged shelf unit that would support all four tanks.....doesn't need to be 2x4's.

If you still insist on going this route, at least use 4 inch lag screws.

 

[Greybeard]

You're talking about 40g of salt water, glass, sand, and rock, spread liberally around your floor. No way would I risk something like this.

If you're insistent on doing something of this sort, mount a solid 3/4" ply backing to the wall, into at least 3 wall studs. Toss the metal shelf bracket, and make 10"x10" right angle solid supports from 3/4" ply. Glue and screw brackets to the solid ply backer, and then mount your shelves. Still not something I'd want in my home, but it's stand a much better chance of holding up.

 

[bh750]

Thanks. Here's a better illustration (I hope) of what I'm doing. If I'm unsure this will hold at all (can't risk it breaking) I'll switch the design to using all 2x4 shelving so that a vertical 2x4 compressed is holding the weight. I'll just have to demo out the side wall a bit to make it fit (why I'm trying this approach first).

EDIT: sorry having a hard time with images!

[/IMG]

 

[bh750]

Sorry try this image...

 

[Greybeard]

I simply wouldn't trust those brackets. I was thinking more something like this, but as I said, even this would make me nervous.

 

[pickupman66]

If I were you and going this route, I would add plywood to the wall so that it spans 4 studs. then use your lag bolts in the pair in the middle for your brackets. I have 80lb TV's hung onto one or two suds depending on the bracket I used. and this is just thru drywall.

 

[Greybeard]

I would add plywood to the wall so that it spans 4 studs. then use your lag bolts in the pair in the middle for your brackets.

Excellent idea... the only reason I didn't suggest the same is that the brackets would be 16" apart, and 10g tanks are 20. I'm used to having support directly under the tank edges, when possible. Still, might be the way to go.

 

[mcarroll]

What is the weight-rating for the shelf bracket?

Have you looked for installation instructions from the manufacturer?

As long as you're within the weight rating and as along as you install them as intended, you'll be fine.

(By extension, if you don't know the rating or the manufacturer's instructions I'd be hesitant.)

 

[bh750]

thanks all great feedback. I may have to revert to another design. Knock a portion of a wall out but would enable me to build a vertical stand from 2x4s and plywood.

 

[bh750]

What is the weight-rating for the shelf bracket?

Have you looked for installation instructions from the manufacturer?

As long as you're within the weight rating and as along as you install them as intended, you'll be fine.

(By extension, if you don't know the rating or the manufacturer's instructions I'd be hesitant.)

I can't event tell who the MFR is. Bought from Lowes and the label just says "made in china" so maybe that answers the question

 

[Paul B]

Normally those brackets would easily hold those tanks. I worked construction for 40 years and that is no problem. The problem is those brackets are Chinese and I have a big problem with that. I would not trust a Chinese bracket to hold up a Styrofoam banana that has a helium balloon tied to it. If you can find some 1/4" steel American brackets and some 1/4" X 2" American lag bolts, you can hold an Oldsmobile.

 

[bh750]

Normally those brackets would easily hold those tanks. I worked construction for 40 years and that is no problem. The problem is those brackets are Chinese and I have a big problem with that. I would not trust a Chinese bracket to hold up a Styrofoam banana that has a helium balloon tied to it. If you can find some 1/4" steel American brackets and some 1/4" X 2" American lag bolts, you can hold an Oldsmobile.

LOL thanks Paul. Any recommendations on brands? Even the "Stanley" brand appears to be made in China!

And I'm also concerned, in principle, will the lag screws (1.5") and 2x4 studs they're screwed into hold?

 

[Paul B]

I would use at least 1/4" x 2" or better 3" lag bolts but never Chinese brackets and God Forbid, Chinese screws. I think they make them out of 8 track tape players from the 80s.
Don't go to Home Depot of Lowes for good hardware. You need a good hardware store. After you build the shelves, sit on them. To pull a 1/4" lag bolt out of a 2x4 stud, you would have to pull the wall down.
I have mounted 36,000 lb generators and everything in between on things. I didn't mount that on a 2x4 but you know what I mean.

1 1/2 bolts are not long enough because if the bracket is 3/8" and the sheetrock is 5/8" thick you don't have much bolt in the stud.

 

[bh750]

I would use at least 1/4" x 2" or better 3" lag bolts but never Chinese brackets and God Forbid, Chinese screws. I think they make them out of 8 track tape players from the 80s.
Don't go to Home Depot of Lowes for good hardware. You need a good hardware store. After you build the shelves, sit on them. To pull a 1/4" lag bolt out of a 2x4 stud, you would have to pull the wall down.
I have mounted 36,000 lb generators and everything in between on things. I didn't mount that on a 2x4 but you know what I mean.

1 1/2 bolts are not long enough because if the bracket is 3/8" and the sheetrock is 5/8" thick you don't have much bolt in the stud.

Haha ok thanks. Amazing you mention the screws. While installing this I did used 1.5" lag screws from Lowes. And one of them broke! Yep. I was tightening it, didnt think over did it but even so I'd expect my socket wrngch to strip the lag head before the head broke off. thats what happened. and really thats what got me thinking I might be in over my head. Ok I have access to a real hardware store here.

 

[Paul B]

Many people think hardware is hardware, but as you found out, it is not. A screw from Home Depot or Lowes is fine to hang a picture, but if you need something to be mechanically strong, you can't use that garbage. It is almost impossible to break an American screw. You would break the screwdriver first. Unfortunately American hardware is disappearing so you have to be careful. Also never use those silly screws that have a phillip and a slot hole in the head. They are almost always Chinese and just about useless for any strength.
I kept a bunch of old hardware from jobs in case I needed to have something built strong. If you can't find American hardware you can also use Stainless steel. They will also probably be Chinese but just by the fact they are stainless should be stronger than the "plastic" screws they sell. But good American screws are also stronger than Chinese stainless steel.

 

[bh750]

ok thanks. I have a couple of family owned tru value's near me. not sure what I'll get there. and another place but may only sell in bulk, like 100 screws. might be worth it.

 

[pickupman66]

Excellent idea... the only reason I didn't suggest the same is that the brackets would be 16" apart, and 10g tanks are 20. I'm used to having support directly under the tank edges, when possible. Still, might be the way to go.

Oh yea.. Forgot to add, you will want some sort of wood shelf to sit on the brackets to properly distribute the weight across the base of each tank and then onto the brackets. this would work. I actually did this with a TOp of container I hung 6 foot up on my garage to gravity feed down to my tank. never had issues in 3 years we were there.

 

[bh750]

Oh yea.. Forgot to add, you will want some sort of wood shelf to sit on the brackets to properly distribute the weight across the base of each tank and then onto the brackets. this would work. I actually did this with a TOp of container I hung 6 foot up on my garage to gravity feed down to my tank. never had issues in 3 years we were there.

ok thanks!!

 

[mcarroll]

I have some 20"x13" brackets that look like the ones you posted....from Lowes or Home Depot and they are "500 lbs working load limit". The brand logo on these is "Eb".

Not sure if that's the same size as yours, but it might give you an idea on them.