Gladiator shelving units for sump and qt's ?

[drew930]

Was wondering if the gladiator shelves that Lowes carrys are good for sumps and quarantines?

They have a 2,000 lb per shelf rating but was more unsure if the tanks were okay to sit on them.... I'm thinking about doing the 24" one for my sump and possibly a 40 breeder above sump. The 24" deep shelves have a length of 72". Sump would probably be pushed to one side ...

They have cross braces but I'm sure they won't exactly at ends of sumps/tanks...maybe throw a piece of plywood on each shelf that has a tank for a flat surface?

Also thinking about One or two 18" deep for my 40 breeder tanks that will be for QT. I might just build them from wood but if these gladiator shelves will hold up I might try some.....


Anyone have experience with these ?

 

[coverdog]

I would worry they may flex/sag some. Maybe running aluminum angle full length under the front and back edges to beef them up. Even 3/4 plywood alone would flex or sag with the shelf.

 

[ericarenee]

nope..

Here is why..
They are rated at a max id 2000 lbs per shelf but being 6 foot long if you divide that by the number of sq foot 20OO DEV BY 12 =166 LBS PER SQ FOOT...
That will for sure hold up a small sump but that max rating has x amount of deflection to them... an over time it will become more and more.
If you move up to the other shelving they have with u beam construction it would hold ok... But by then you can build something with lumber nicer and stronger...

They also RUST VERY BADLY As they are made from cheap china steel....

 

[drew930]

Thanks for the input. If even the did hold up not worth it if it's going to rust anyway. Plus it will be in the basement.