• Why not take a moment to introduce yourself to our members?

FlyTekk

KISS KeepItSimpleStupid
Rating - 98.6%
139   2   0
So im setting up a 12g mr aqua 36" tank. Its probably too heavy for my flimy desk. So i went to home depot and bought a shelf and 3 rubbermaid black metal brackets. Each say they can hold 80lbs. But given their thick metal nature i have to assume the 1" screws are the concern here and not the brace itself.

So i bought 3 and screwed each to studs in my wall. I also upgraded to 2" screws to get in deep. If each could hold 80lbs than total capacity is more than double the weight of the tank full.

Before i fill the tank i figure id confirm with you guys here. Tank should weigh around 100lbs. It has 12lbs of rock and 10lbs of sand.

Its hovering over my desk. Thanks
 

FlyTekk

KISS KeepItSimpleStupid
Rating - 98.6%
139   2   0
Yes.

I just ask incase water weight is different from other weight. For example if flowing water could give alternating weight on the 3 brackets or something. i have a mp10 on it but will be on lowest setting and DEF NO WAVES.

Just trying to be extra sure.
 

FlyTekk

KISS KeepItSimpleStupid
Rating - 98.6%
139   2   0
The wall is sheet rock screwed to wooden 2x4 studs. I screwed brackets past sheet rock and into studs. The studs were strong cause on toughest setting my drill had trouble getting it in all the way. I went about 1.5" into the stud.

When you say i wouldnt hang water over desk, are you concerned about water damage to components below. If so thats not what concerns me.

Im just trying to find out if there are other strains on the brakets other than the 100 or so pounds the tank weighs.
 

dherrera83

Advanced Reefer
Location
Manhattan
Rating - 100%
144   0   0
If you are not concerned about water damage to the desk and any computer equipment than it should be fine. I am just concerned that the wall will absorb water and start breaking down causing tilting due to water damage. Its something you cant control, water will always leave the tank at some point; during making water changes, catching to putting fish/coral in. It happens.

Why not make a small stand or something.

Also i think you should aim for accomodating more like 200lbs just to be on the safe side.
 

KathyC

Moderator
Location
Barnum Island
Rating - 100%
200   0   0
The brackets are accomodating 240lbs. And thats with their screws. I used bigger longer stronger screws.

And about the wall getting wet.... every tank ive seen (unless its a room divider) are by a wall.

Do you have a link for these brackets and also a link to the type of shelf you are using?

It seems to me that brackets are most often used in pairs..and I don't think that you can necessarily add up the strength of each bracket (3 x80lbs) to arrive at their load bearing capability.

What are the actual dimensions of the tank as well?
 

TheSherm

Advanced Reefer
Location
Suffolk NY
Rating - 100%
108   0   0
Something about this just makes me think its going to end bad. I dont know why I feel that way, but I wouldnt trust a couple screws to hold up the tank, despite what the labels may say.
 
Location
Bronx, NY
Rating - 100%
92   0   0
With a tank with those dimensions you might be able to squeeze an extra fish or so since it'll be more spread I wouldn't do the 2 gobies out of aggression problems.....you might be able to handle the clowns, goby shrimp pair, six line and maybe a firefish but thats like absolute max
 

Sponsor Reefs

We're a FREE website, and we exist because of hobbyists like YOU who help us run this community.

Click here to sponsor $10:


Top