Will this all metal shelving unit support multiple tanks?

[homersimpsonlikesfish]

Will this all metal shelving unit support multiple tanks? For example, 4 10-gallon tanks on the 2nd shelf from the bottom, and a 40 gallon tank above it?

Husky 5-Tier Heavy Duty Boltless Steel Garage Storage Shelving Unit in Black (48 in. W x 78 in. H x 24 in. D) N2R482478W5B - The Home Depot

This Husky 5-shelf heavy-duty steel shelving unit can be assembled vertically as a 78 in. high unit or as two individual 39 in. high units. You can adjust this multipurpose unit's shelves in 1.5 in. increments

www.homedepot.com

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Idk. What does the manufacturer say each shelf can hold?

 

[GK3]

Will this all metal shelving unit support multiple tanks? For example, 4 10-gallon tanks on the 2nd shelf from the bottom, and a 40 gallon tank above it?

Husky 5-Tier Heavy Duty Boltless Steel Garage Storage Shelving Unit in Black (48 in. W x 78 in. H x 24 in. D) N2R482478W5B - The Home Depot

This Husky 5-shelf heavy-duty steel shelving unit can be assembled vertically as a 78 in. high unit or as two individual 39 in. high units. You can adjust this multipurpose unit's shelves in 1.5 in. increments

www.homedepot.com

 

[Red_Beard]

Seawater is 8.68 lbs per gallon. So 10 gallons = 86.8 lbs plus glass plus the difference between displaced water and any rock or objects placed therein. 4 of those is 347.2lbs of water alone. I would always make sure to add in a safety factor of 10%. So, if shelf says 500lbs, max working load less 10% for safety =450, meaning as long as you don't add an extra 100lbs and the shelf is rated 500, g2g.

 

[Red_Beard]

1000lbs, you are golden.

 

[Derrick0580]

I use one to support a single 40 breeder, seems sturdy enough. Several videos on youtube showing people setting them up to hold multiple tanks.

 

[legionofdoon]

No!!!! I personally tried it and absolutely not with a tank full of water. Yes in will hold the compression weight just fine but as soon as you add lateral movement it will start to weaken. I tried it for about a day and while watching my tank I could see the oscillating wave forming on the supports. DIY 2×4 stands really easy to make. That being said I still use that stand for ball pythons.

 

[legionofdoon]

1000lbs, you are golden.

That's compression weight straight down. Any lateral movement is risky. I personally use that same rack for pythons and I strongly discourage anyone from using it for aquatics.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

That's compression weight straight down. Any lateral movement is risky. I personally use that same rack for pythons and I strongly discourage anyone from using it for aquatics.

Agreed. I'd only try putting a tank on the bottom shelf...

 

[legionofdoon]

I use one to support a single 40 breeder, seems sturdy enough. Several videos on youtube showing people setting them up to hold multiple tanks.

Yeah I saw them too but I'm warning you it's a seriously bad idea. I know because I tried it. My risk avoidance level may be different from YouTube but I could not trust a stand that had visible movement by someone walking by it on a ground floor tile floor. It's fine for terrestrial animals but not full of a dynamic fluid.

 

[Red_Beard]

Depends on where you put it. If lateral movement is accounted for, like installing it in a corner AND strapping it to the walls, the only force at play would be compressive. Dont put it somewhere it can rack or brace it accordingly.

 

[legionofdoon]

Agreed. I'd only try putting a tank on the bottom shelf...

Bottom shelf is fine.

 

[Derrick0580]

I will say that mine is set up as 2 individual shelving units. One shelf at the bottom most point and one at the highest available point. The unit sits between a wall and my 120 which shares a sump so there is no way for someone to bump it laterally.