Wire storage racks and aquarium safety

[Barliman]

So, I've seen a number of people who use wire storage racks in their fishrooms to house tanks:they're inexpensive, flexible, and look better than brick and board. I recently bought a set rated at 350 lbs. per shelf to hold a 20-long and a 10g. I was all set to go when I watched this video...

In a later comment, Katia told me the shelves were rated for the same weight as mine. I suspect they're the same brand. Let me just say, I was a little uneasy after seeing this.

Now, it's always possible she did something wrong, or the unit was defective. So, I thought I'd ask around for a second opinion: does anyone here at AA have experience with this kind of shelving for aquariums, and have you had any problems?

 

[TMaier]

I was using one for household stuff. It’s impossible to get the shelves level. Killed me. OCD. I gave them away.

 

[agrasyuk]

Loved it -"these racks should in theory hold ... "
And when they don't who's problem it's going to be?

Packaging may state whatever numbers , those shelves do not have trusty/rigid look to me.
30 gal tank is what? 300-330lbs? Yeah, let's test just how much it will really take.
I simply don't get it why people do it.

Good that it ended up well for video author. Hope she went with good setup after that close call.

 

[King Fisher]

Why not get steel shop shelves?

 

[TMaier]

I got one of these with a 20Long on top. A 10 would fit below.
https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petco...-tank-stand---for-29-gallon-aquariums-2572846

 

[King Fisher]

Muscle Rack ERZ601872W-3 Welded Storage Rack with 3 Shelves, 4500 lb Capacity, 60" Width x 72" Height x 18" Depth, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LGVVTXE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_OWaBAbXDJZ2HD

 

[coralbandit]

Its a shame that Edsal stopped making selling shelves at HD/Lowes..
They used to sell a 36" shelf that fit 40bs perfect and help up well.
I have several of those..
I wouldn't use the type shelf you have simply due to how they lock[or fail to] in place...
I want to see clear pins/bolts something that physically holds the shelf..Just me.

 

[King Fisher]

I stack alot of weight in tools on something similar. I'd imagine a tank the OP's size would be ok

 

[okapizebra]

Edsal still makes those. I have one coming in the mail from HD currently.

 

[Barliman]

I wouldn't use the type shelf you have simply due to how they lock[or fail to] in place...
I want to see clear pins/bolts something that physically holds the shelf..Just me.

Yeah, the more I look at it, the more I'm not trusting it for something as weighty as water.I wanted something that looked better in the living room than brick-and-board (my grad school days are long behind me).

Oh, well. At least they'll be good for storage in my closet.