Pet store aquarium setup in a bedroom?

homersimpsonlikesfish · Nov 20, 2023

MoshJosh said:
Not the best design given the weight of the tanks is sitting entirely on screws. If they shear you’re looking at a big puddle! This design can work for smaller tanks but still not ideal. Using dados to attach the cross beams will be a safer solution.

That said the design can work (I have used it) but I recommend using quality screws or even bolts (bolts being the stronger options). I used Timberlok screws which are designed to replace lag bolts/screws

Do I need to pre-drill a hole if I will use bolts? Will the bolts split the 2x4?

BZOFIQ · Nov 20, 2023

You want it to look professional? Look at alu profiles.

alufabinc.com
tnutz.com
framingtech.com

Sky (and your budget) is the limit on possibilities.

homersimpsonlikesfish · Nov 20, 2023

Do I need to pre-drill a hole if I will use bolts? Will the bolts split the 2x4?

albano · Nov 20, 2023

homersimpsonlikesfish said:
Do I need to pre-drill a hole if I will use bolts? Will the bolts split the 2x4?

Might be difficult to screw bolts thru solid, undrillled 2x4s

Ef4life · Nov 20, 2023

homersimpsonlikesfish said:
Do I need to pre-drill a hole if I will use bolts? Will the bolts split the 2x4?

You would need to drill appropriately sized holes in the wood to run the bolts through so they can be installed and tightened

However bolting it together wouldn’t be the way to go if you want to skin it with plywood. And it would be a reall pain to put it together and try and level everything and keep it square while tightening it up.

I would use good quality construction screws to put it together, i would also add glue on the wood joints. Just make sure to fully support the weigh of the tanks by supporting the horizontal 2x4s with the vertical ones.