Is there a site or page where I can find out the dimensions of Racks that need to be built? My head hurts trying to do the math right now LOL, I will be building the racks the Ted way notching the 2x4's. I want to make a rack for 20 highs, double 90's and double 125's The distance between tanks and then allow for the 3-1/2" for the stud to be on its side. I know I can figure it out, just trying to make it easier on my brain right now
rack building
- Thread starter Richemmers
- Start date
Do you already have ALL the tanks you want to put on the racks? The reason I ask is there is a slight variation in the length & width of various manufacturers as well as sometimes in the height especially in older tanks. Don't forget that most aquarium dimensions are listed as nominal and not actual and can vary by 1/4" to 3/8" on L x W x H.
The spacing of the shelves will also vary depending on what access YOU need to reach into the tanks and whether some tanks are short end out versus normal orientation.
I have commercial metal racks and have 7" between the top trim of the tank and the bottom edge of the shelf beam and it is awkward sometimes to add decor and service the aquarium, especially on a ladder.
We've only built one Ted Judy design rack and designed it for 10G tanks, 3 per level, short end out but also to possibly fit 1 40B per level so there was space left over between tanks.
Your best bet is to measure your tanks and how you want them placed on a shelf and then determine your vertical access need to each level of tank. We used paper and pencil to draw a rough sketch and then tweaked as we went along.
Also don't forget to factor in what type of lighting you will be using and how you mount it. Mounting lights to the underside of the shelf above the tank, depending on the type will also limit access when you reach in the tank. If using power filters (HOB), be sure you can easily remove the filters from the front of the tank unless you will have access to the back of the rack.
The spacing of the shelves will also vary depending on what access YOU need to reach into the tanks and whether some tanks are short end out versus normal orientation.
I have commercial metal racks and have 7" between the top trim of the tank and the bottom edge of the shelf beam and it is awkward sometimes to add decor and service the aquarium, especially on a ladder.
We've only built one Ted Judy design rack and designed it for 10G tanks, 3 per level, short end out but also to possibly fit 1 40B per level so there was space left over between tanks.
Your best bet is to measure your tanks and how you want them placed on a shelf and then determine your vertical access need to each level of tank. We used paper and pencil to draw a rough sketch and then tweaked as we went along.
Also don't forget to factor in what type of lighting you will be using and how you mount it. Mounting lights to the underside of the shelf above the tank, depending on the type will also limit access when you reach in the tank. If using power filters (HOB), be sure you can easily remove the filters from the front of the tank unless you will have access to the back of the rack.
