Help Needed!

[Dave26]

Hi!

I bought the stand below as it can hold 450kg per shelf. However being daft it didn't occur to me that as my tanks are a fair bit smaller than the shelves, all the weigh is on the inside supports and the wood about rather than the actual metal shelving on the outside. This is making the cross beams in the middle of the shelves bend and twist, as they are bearing all the weight. What is the best way of spreading the weight to the outsides? I've emptied some water out for now, but as you can see it's not exactly an ideal situation. The photo is poor but give you an idea:

Any help would be great, I'm hoping to nip to b@q tonight to get whatever is required!

 

[ian_m]

Something like this, 18mm OSB exterior board, cut to extact size of shelf will spread the load. Get B&Q to cut it using their saw.

http/www.diy.com/nav/build/timber/sheet-materials/Oriented-Strand-Board-3-L-2440-x-W-1220-x-T-18mm-9276290

Exterior is preferable as it is waterproof, though might be able to get away with cheaper interior grade and varnish/paint it to protect it. If not protected will delaminate at the slightest touch of water.

Also this is suitable, but will need varnishing/painting to protect from water.
http/www.diy.com/nav/build/timber/sheet-materials/Temperate-Softwood-Ply-Structural-L-2440-x-W-1220-x-T-18mm-9276280

 

[Dave26]

Thanks for the reply! Would the wood suggested be able to hold the weight without bending? I don't want to spend £50 for two shelves if there's a chance it might not! Also, the shelves currently sit inside a lip, would you just replace the chipboard directly with the wood suggested in the exact same dimensions?

 

[Aquascaper]

Yes, replace with the same dimensions.

18mm would do but the thicker the sheet the more rigid it will be. Exterior plywood (sometimes called marine ply) would be the best as suggested as it will withstand drips.....do NOT under any circumstances use MDF as this soaks up moisture like a sponge and will turn to mush (as does chipboard). If cost is an issue then normal plywood will do but you will have to seal it with a PVC glue/water mix before putting the tanks on it.

 

[Dave26]

Yes, replace with the same dimensions.

18mm would do but the thicker the sheet the more rigid it will be. Exterior plywood (sometimes called marine ply) would be the best as suggested as it will withstand drips.....do NOT under any circumstances use MDF as this soaks up moisture like a sponge and will turn to mush (as does chipboard). If cost is an issue then normal plywood will do but you will have to seal it with a PVC glue/water mix before putting the tanks on it.

Thanks for the advice. I'll take in one of the shelves and have it cut to the same size. I think I'll go for the exterior OSB (am I right in saying this is will not need to be treated?). I'll also put the 9mm chipboard ontop of that (which I have varnished) and then a layer of floor insulation to cushion. Even though the tank is sitting way inside the outer frame, that lot should hold without flexing shouldn't it?

 

[Aquascaper]

Exterior ply is slightly different to exterior OSB, OSB is made from wood shards compressed with glue to bond into sheets whereas plywood is multiple thin sheets compressed with glue.....because of this plywood will be more rigid.

As for the question will it hold without warping.....only time will tell, it should no problems but don't blame me if it doesn't

 

[Dave26]

I went for 18mm exterior ply in the end. Bloody good stuff, the wood isn't even flexing enough to touch the cross beams. Thanks a lot for the advice!!

 

[Aquascaper]

Glad to hear it, there's always a bit of trepidation when doing something DIY or advising someone else. Just because it's worked for yourself doesn't mean it will for someone else

I'm currently setting up my marine sump and I'm still scared to leave it running unattended