Your problem is not the fitting on top of the rails. Your problem is that the tank is sitting in at least one or two grommets instead of the particle board. Just place a thicker real piece of plywood, like 1/2 inch, on top of the rails and your problem is solved. I got two of these and they are just perfect.
The current shelves sold by Edsal will not fit a 40 breeder in the bottom rack. They changed the models at some point. That’s why so many people are commenting they’ve had them for 5+ years with no problem, cause back then the bottom rack accommodated that extra 1/4 inch of the tank.
Looks like it fits to me. From my understanding the (short) sides are the first and foremost important areas that take the tanks full weight before later distributed anyways. Also if you would of did your "finger" test with that tank full of water, then those front and back rails wouldn't flex at all , as the weight would be distributed throughout the shelf just as evenly as your floor is leveled.
Try a shelf made from 1" plywood will get you up above the top rim of shelf, thats what worked on mine , you could even glue the 1" plywood to the partical board raising it even higher.
I've got 2 40s on these stands for about 5ish years. No issues, mine is on concrete. I've heard recently there have been issues with the stands not supporting the weight if it's a heavy smaller item. But, it seems like a failure with the wood boards and not the frame.
I’ve used these steel shelves in my workshop for ages. The rails support weight with no problem when putting weight on the top of the rails. The lip is only there to hold the particle board, the steel is holding the weight either way. I’ve built custom fitted panels that completely fill the space between the vertical beams and rest on top of the rails, avoiding the lip altogether, and it holds the weight of heavy tools and lumber/steel stock with no issue. The main problem is the inconsistency; resting on the lip on one side and the top of the rails on the other means it’s off level like you said. If you can adjust the level you should be fine, or cut your own plywood sheet at +~1/4” in each dimension to act as the shelf and rest on top of the rails on all sides. Still quicker/cheaper than building an entire stand!
I believe I confirmed at one point that evenly applying weight distribution along the tops of the rails actually provides a *higher* load capacity per shelf due to the arched shape, rather than the single steel lip holding all weight. I can’t find the source atm though
I bought a 55 gal tank and a metal stand from Petco. This setup has the same problem. Two side rails are flush with the tank bottom, but the front and back rails are not flush. I was told that the corners are the only things that need to be level and square with each other. I used wood shims to fill the gaps.
@@TankTastic Awe Okay The Brand I Have Is Hart And I Bought It From Wal-Mart, Each Shelf Is Rated 800lbs . . I'm Only A Week In Though With It , Soo I'll See How It Goes So Far No Issues
Why can't you cut a piece of 1/4" or 5/16" rubber mat and place it over the top of the particle boardso you can get it to the same elevation as the lip of the steel.
You can, but one side of the tank will still be floating. Personally I wouldnt trust it at that height. But the lower bracket works for me, that is probably because the legs are helping the 40 stay put. Not sure what I said makes sense, it did in my head. Lolll
The gladiator at the home depot felt like a good fit but I eventually went with a 40b tank stand from Petco. The Brooklyn stand. Also because the lower rack is tough to maintain cuz of the height. Hunching over and stuff you know?
Why don’t you mention what the proper stand actually is? I just bought one of these units, it’s still in the box though so I have the option to return it. Would cutting a piece of thicker plywood to replace the particle board help? If the plywood is thick enough to sit above those edges on the top, then the tank could only possibly contact the wood. I would really like to use this stand so I can run a new 40 on top and put my 20 and 10 next to each other on the bottom. I would need plywood anyways for the bottom due to the two tanks not sitting right along/above the rims in the framework. I don’t mind painting some wood and doing some prep work if it means the setup will be proper and durable
Check the gladiator racks from home depot. This was quite a while ago, I ended up with the Brooklyn stand from petco. You can cut a plywood for that stand too on the bottom to hold a tank
If I had a basement, I'd be using these 100%. Looks pretty wobbly though and it's cheaper to build a more sturdy and all around better stand from wood for my living room anyways. 100% doing a whole wall with these in the future though, thanks for the vid you showed me some of my worries
justin bates thinking either of these two: www.homedepot.com/p/Gladiator-72-in-H-x-36-in-W-x-18-in-D-5-Shelf-Steel-Garage-Shelving-Unit-with-EZ-Connect-GARK365TGG/301657877 www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-72-in-H-x-36-in-W-x-18-in-D-4-Shelf-Steel-Unit-in-Silver-MR361872W4/205182073
Yea I noticed this too. I don't use the particle board. My tank was resting on the back side of the rivets. I wouldn't give up on it yet. I just cut 2 1x4 planks and placed them in each side. It raises the ledge up and your 40 g makes good contact. I lowered my top rack a few holes down from the top as well. All you need is support on the corners. That's where all weight is distributed.
@@TankTastic Yea I put one 40 towards the top of the stand. Its wobbly at the very top so I lowered it. After putting the wood on top of the ledges, it a lot more reassuring and it kind of stabilized it a little. They definitely don't work out of the box but there's ways around it
I don't know what brand are currently available from Lowe's or home depot I got the Edsal Brand from Amazon free delivery so I didn't have to drive 20 miles to get it I live out in the boonies. Mine fits perfectly I have to 40 gallon breeders on mine with no problems for 6 years dirty tanks that I have reworked several times on hardwood floors just like you. Looks like the brand you've got is just a smidge off however I also don't think its a problem you do, fine. Get the one from Amazon Also I use quarter Inch Blue foam board cut to fit the particle board and then from Lowe's or home depot rubberized floor underlayment super cheap and waterproof As I said my has been up for 5 years. No sign of water affecting the particle board in any way.
Watched a couple different videos regarding the hd/lowes stand and hd had 2: your brown one at $59 #500 and a black for $69 #800 do you know if same problem with the heavier duty one?
Anthony Gorrell I’m going to purchase one of the following racks in the coming weeks: www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-72-in-H-x-36-in-W-x-18-in-D-4-Shelf-Steel-Unit-in-Silver-MR361872W4/205182073 www.homedepot.com/p/Gladiator-72-in-H-x-36-in-W-x-18-in-D-5-Shelf-Steel-Garage-Shelving-Unit-with-EZ-Connect-GARK365TGG/301657877
Also, these store shelves are painfully ugly. Just looked at one at Lowes the other day and the particle board was thin garbage. I ended up buying a bunch of 2X4's and building a stand myself.
Yea, it’s something I got when I first started. I use it to hold supplies and a 40b st the bottom right now. Looking to move the 40 to a proper stand soon.
You don’t even need the 2x4. The stands come 72” tall split into two sections, and contain 5 shelves. Most of us only intend to use half of its height and 2 or maybe 3 of the shelves. The leftover or unused shelf components can be use to brace the stand. Simply put the unused shelf supports on all sides except the front and you will create a lot more rigidity
These are not the right stands, the popular Edsal Brand 40 breeder stands are not manufactured anymore atleast in the old dimensions and model. I have the older version and still going strong after 4+ years. I am glad you realized these are not suitable I had to convince couple of my friends to return the rack back even before installing, these are very poor quality. .
Water CrayFish absolutely agree, when I just started I Googled and UA-camd racks and some had these and I went with it. I think the Gladiator brand of racks work for tanks!
Mark Gafus I got you! Here it is, www.homedepot.com/p/Gladiator-72-in-H-x-48-in-W-x-24-in-D-5-Shelf-Steel-Garage-Shelving-Unit-with-EZ-Connect-GARK485XGG/301657823?mtc=Shopping-B-F_D59-G-D59-23_7_ORGANIZATION-Multi-NA-Feed-PLA-NA-NA-THD_NE_Storage&cm_mmc=Shopping-B-F_D59-G-D59-23_7_ORGANIZATION-Multi-NA-Feed-PLA-NA-NA-THD_NE_Storage-71700000060920440-58700005876326687-92700053774638743&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1s2Zg9z96QIVRtyGCh1HKQExEAQYASABEgLLNfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
@@TankTastic The one I have seen the most was the Edsal 18-in D x 36-in W x 72-in H 5-Tier Steel Utility Freestanding Shelving Unit model # MR3618BWG. I am looking at doing what you have done and I have seen a few video's and this was the one that was most recommended. Not sure that it is any better, but it appeared to be a better fit maybe? ua-cam.com/video/WhZrKiqfRQ4/v-deo.html
Your problem is not the fitting on top of the rails. Your problem is that the tank is sitting in at least one or two grommets instead of the particle board. Just place a thicker real piece of plywood, like 1/2 inch, on top of the rails and your problem is solved. I got two of these and they are just perfect.
Thats what I do
The current shelves sold by Edsal will not fit a 40 breeder in the bottom rack. They changed the models at some point. That’s why so many people are commenting they’ve had them for 5+ years with no problem, cause back then the bottom rack accommodated that extra 1/4 inch of the tank.
Looks like it fits to me. From my understanding the (short) sides are the first and foremost important areas that take the tanks full weight before later distributed anyways.
Also if you would of did your "finger" test with that tank full of water, then those front and back rails wouldn't flex at all , as the weight would be distributed throughout the shelf just as evenly as your floor is leveled.
It doesnt sit on the proper side, but anyone get one and give it a try. It will work
Try a shelf made from 1" plywood will get you up above the top rim of shelf, thats what worked on mine , you could even glue the 1" plywood to the partical board raising it even higher.
I've got 2 40s on these stands for about 5ish years. No issues, mine is on concrete. I've heard recently there have been issues with the stands not supporting the weight if it's a heavy smaller item. But, it seems like a failure with the wood boards and not the frame.
I had a 40b on the lower part of rack and after a year The bottom frame legs warped a bit
I’ve used these steel shelves in my workshop for ages. The rails support weight with no problem when putting weight on the top of the rails. The lip is only there to hold the particle board, the steel is holding the weight either way. I’ve built custom fitted panels that completely fill the space between the vertical beams and rest on top of the rails, avoiding the lip altogether, and it holds the weight of heavy tools and lumber/steel stock with no issue. The main problem is the inconsistency; resting on the lip on one side and the top of the rails on the other means it’s off level like you said. If you can adjust the level you should be fine, or cut your own plywood sheet at +~1/4” in each dimension to act as the shelf and rest on top of the rails on all sides. Still quicker/cheaper than building an entire stand!
I believe I confirmed at one point that evenly applying weight distribution along the tops of the rails actually provides a *higher* load capacity per shelf due to the arched shape, rather than the single steel lip holding all weight. I can’t find the source atm though
I totally agree! I think cutting a piece of plywood would work. But right out the box, for what I was doing, it does not.
I bought a 55 gal tank and a metal stand from Petco. This setup has the same problem. Two side rails are flush with the tank bottom, but the front and back rails are not flush. I was told that the corners are the only things that need to be level and square with each other. I used wood shims to fill the gaps.
Yea, or a wood board would so I would think? I’m going normal stands from now on lol
Where would you recommend buying a double 40 breeder stand? I've been looking and looking without any luck
I use the Petco Brooklyn stand.
@@TankTastic that only holds one doesn't it?
@@thomaspinter8456 yea, if you want multiple…muscle rack or the husky I would trust more to hold two. You can get that at home depot.
@@TankTastic I ordered the gladiator rack from home depot, my issue is space so I have to double up lol
Ahhh got it. Yea the lower racks are an issue for maintence for me to so I stick with the single stands. Lol
There are a bunch of videos on UA-cam that use that same exact stand with success.
I Shaved The Frame Down And It Felts Perfect No Loose Spaces Or Overlapping
Still be careful, I just broke down the rack which had a 40 breeder on the bottom rack. The legs edges on the floor warped a bit.
@@TankTastic Awe Okay The Brand I Have Is Hart And I Bought It From Wal-Mart, Each Shelf Is Rated 800lbs . . I'm Only A Week In Though With It , Soo I'll See How It Goes So Far No Issues
Why can't you cut a piece of 1/4" or 5/16" rubber mat and place it over the top of the particle boardso you can get it to the same elevation as the lip of the steel.
You can, but one side of the tank will still be floating. Personally I wouldnt trust it at that height. But the lower bracket works for me, that is probably because the legs are helping the 40 stay put. Not sure what I said makes sense, it did in my head. Lolll
@tanktastic did you ever get anything to fit your 40 gallon breeder tank correctly?
The gladiator at the home depot felt like a good fit but I eventually went with a 40b tank stand from Petco. The Brooklyn stand. Also because the lower rack is tough to maintain cuz of the height. Hunching over and stuff you know?
Why don’t you mention what the proper stand actually is? I just bought one of these units, it’s still in the box though so I have the option to return it. Would cutting a piece of thicker plywood to replace the particle board help? If the plywood is thick enough to sit above those edges on the top, then the tank could only possibly contact the wood. I would really like to use this stand so I can run a new 40 on top and put my 20 and 10 next to each other on the bottom. I would need plywood anyways for the bottom due to the two tanks not sitting right along/above the rims in the framework. I don’t mind painting some wood and doing some prep work if it means the setup will be proper and durable
Check the gladiator racks from home depot. This was quite a while ago, I ended up with the Brooklyn stand from petco. You can cut a plywood for that stand too on the bottom to hold a tank
Do you think these would still be suitable for 2x 40g breeders for reptile use? Far far less weight in them than water.
Yea I think for reptiles you good to go.
I'm glad I watched this!
What did you endup changing them out for
A regular stand, Im using this as a normal storage rack lol
If I had a basement, I'd be using these 100%.
Looks pretty wobbly though and it's cheaper to build a more sturdy and all around better stand from wood for my living room anyways.
100% doing a whole wall with these in the future though, thanks for the vid you showed me some of my worries
Build your own if you know how, it’s definitely wobbly
@@TankTastic 100% did it's super easy! Thanks for the videos
You could replace the particleboard with a piece of 1/2” ply if you’re that worried about it
Which gladiator shelf do u recommend for a 40 breeder tank? Like the link or name?
justin bates thinking either of these two: www.homedepot.com/p/Gladiator-72-in-H-x-36-in-W-x-18-in-D-5-Shelf-Steel-Garage-Shelving-Unit-with-EZ-Connect-GARK365TGG/301657877
www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-72-in-H-x-36-in-W-x-18-in-D-4-Shelf-Steel-Unit-in-Silver-MR361872W4/205182073
Get thicker plywood board, cut it to replace the particles board that came with rack...problem solved.
Yea I noticed this too. I don't use the particle board. My tank was resting on the back side of the rivets. I wouldn't give up on it yet. I just cut 2 1x4 planks and placed them in each side. It raises the ledge up and your 40 g makes good contact. I lowered my top rack a few holes down from the top as well. All you need is support on the corners. That's where all weight is distributed.
Interesting, that’s good to know. Well currently I use the lowest level for my 40 breeder and so far so good. Going higher still scares me!
@@TankTastic Yea I put one 40 towards the top of the stand. Its wobbly at the very top so I lowered it. After putting the wood on top of the ledges, it a lot more reassuring and it kind of stabilized it a little. They definitely don't work out of the box but there's ways around it
Agreed, wish there is one that just works out of the box!
You could add a piece of plywood on top the particle board that's a little wider and fix the problem
I don't know what brand are currently available from Lowe's or home depot I got the Edsal Brand from Amazon free delivery so I didn't have to drive 20 miles to get it I live out in the boonies. Mine fits perfectly I have to 40 gallon breeders on mine with no problems for 6 years dirty tanks that I have reworked several times on hardwood floors just like you. Looks like the brand you've got is just a smidge off however I also don't think its a problem you do, fine. Get the one from Amazon Also I use quarter Inch Blue foam board cut to fit the particle board and then from Lowe's or home depot rubberized floor underlayment super cheap and waterproof As I said my has been up for 5 years. No sign of water affecting the particle board in any way.
Watched a couple different videos regarding the hd/lowes stand and hd had 2: your brown one at $59 #500 and a black for $69 #800 do you know if same problem with the heavier duty one?
Anthony Gorrell I’m going to purchase one of the following racks in the coming weeks:
www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-72-in-H-x-36-in-W-x-18-in-D-4-Shelf-Steel-Unit-in-Silver-MR361872W4/205182073
www.homedepot.com/p/Gladiator-72-in-H-x-36-in-W-x-18-in-D-5-Shelf-Steel-Garage-Shelving-Unit-with-EZ-Connect-GARK365TGG/301657877
@@TankTastic did you ever get one that felt solid?
Nah, I gave up. I’m just going to run the regular stands. Lol
@@TankTastic thanks man... Saved me time or a disaster.
Yea, some say to get a board..but I’m too lazy for that lol
I just tried that rack. It sucks. I paid $100 for that shelf. The bottom tank is good and level. The top is 1/4 inch off
Yup, it totally sucks for our purpose!
Also, these store shelves are painfully ugly. Just looked at one at Lowes the other day and the particle board was thin garbage. I ended up buying a bunch of 2X4's and building a stand myself.
Yea, it’s something I got when I first started. I use it to hold supplies and a 40b st the bottom right now. Looking to move the 40 to a proper stand soon.
Change the wood and run 2×4 along it you get the sturdiness out of it
You don’t even need the 2x4. The stands come 72” tall split into two sections, and contain 5 shelves. Most of us only intend to use half of its height and 2 or maybe 3 of the shelves. The leftover or unused shelf components can be use to brace the stand. Simply put the unused shelf supports on all sides except the front and you will create a lot more rigidity
@@philliphols i just double ply’d it, butt now that u mention it, better idea to use the supports on the sides
I see your aquascaping tools magneticly attached to the side of the frame. What did you use to make that happen. I need that!
Oh that’s a tool magnet, there are tons of variations on Amazon. Check it out!
Why’s this video even up? It doesn’t make any sense, you’re really explaining it poorly. I mean that in the most respectful manner
These are not the right stands, the popular Edsal Brand 40 breeder stands are not manufactured anymore atleast in the old dimensions and model. I have the older version and still going strong after 4+ years. I am glad you realized these are not suitable I had to convince couple of my friends to return the rack back even before installing, these are very poor quality.
.
Water CrayFish absolutely agree, when I just started I Googled and UA-camd racks and some had these and I went with it. I think the Gladiator brand of racks work for tanks!
@@TankTastic do you have a link to the Gladiator brand you used?
Mark Gafus I got you! Here it is, www.homedepot.com/p/Gladiator-72-in-H-x-48-in-W-x-24-in-D-5-Shelf-Steel-Garage-Shelving-Unit-with-EZ-Connect-GARK485XGG/301657823?mtc=Shopping-B-F_D59-G-D59-23_7_ORGANIZATION-Multi-NA-Feed-PLA-NA-NA-THD_NE_Storage&cm_mmc=Shopping-B-F_D59-G-D59-23_7_ORGANIZATION-Multi-NA-Feed-PLA-NA-NA-THD_NE_Storage-71700000060920440-58700005876326687-92700053774638743&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1s2Zg9z96QIVRtyGCh1HKQExEAQYASABEgLLNfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
@@TankTastic Thanks brother
Mark Gafus np! Happy to help, just trying to prevent people from getting buyers remorse. Lol
Just cut a piece of plywood 36x17 and get rid of that particle board
That is not the same brand stand that most people on UA-cam recommend.
Which ones did they recommend? Shoot me the links.
@@TankTastic The one I have seen the most was the Edsal 18-in D x 36-in W x 72-in H 5-Tier Steel Utility Freestanding Shelving Unit model # MR3618BWG. I am looking at doing what you have done and I have seen a few video's and this was the one that was most recommended. Not sure that it is any better, but it appeared to be a better fit maybe? ua-cam.com/video/WhZrKiqfRQ4/v-deo.html
I def seen the Edsal, Home Depot recommended this and said it was the same? Let me
Know what you find
I've used them for about a year without any problems, but I'm probably going to look into an upgrade soon.
Yea, I have it on a bottom rack but def looking to upgrade it
never gonna trust this shelve anyways since I can easily bend the bar
That's 18 and and 8th hommie .125
Make the stand out of 2/4s
HAVE SEEN QUIT A LOT OF UN HAPPY PEOPLE THAT HAVE BOUGHT THESE FOR 40s…I DEFINITELY WOULDN’T BUY ONE..HIT AND MISS TO WHEN YOUR TANKS BOTTOM CRACKS 🤷🤷
Yea, the way your tank is going to sit is def a thin line
You are lucky, you have a hard board
I would not place the aquarium, that high.
Lot of weight.
Your floor will move, because it's laminated floor.
Fish tank on mdf lmfao
Yea dont recommend it long term
This is why I tub. Flat on the ground.
Yeah and you gotta lay on the floor to look at your fish.
😂😂😂 I’m gonna stay out of this one
spend thirty bucks and but thicker plywood
Stick to fish. Let the engineers build stuff.
I definitely would not use these racks for full aquariums