DIY 6 Tank Fry Rack

Guest

First I took two of the 6'pcs and four of the 4'pcs and laid them on the floor.
I measured down from the top end of the 6'pcs 231/2", 451/2", & 671/2".
Then I laid the 6'pcs standing on their edge parallel to each other and took the four 4'pcs and laid them crossways connecting the two 6'pcs. The top 4'pc stands on its edge like the 6'pcs and the other three lay flat. Put them in between the 6'pcs lining the top one with the top of the 6'pcs and the three laying flat with the marks you measured putting the bottom edge of the board on the mark. Then using 3" drywall screws put two screws thru the 6'pcs into each of the 4'pcs.
DIY 6 Tank Fry Rack DIYFryRack9

Next measure from each end of the 4'pcs 221/4" toward the center. Don't measure the 6'pcs just the 4'pcs. You should end up with two lines in the center of the 4'pcs that are about 4" apart. This is for the other two boards that you cut 701/2". Put one the two701/2"pcs on top of the 4'pcs laying flat and up against the top then put two screws thru it into each of the 4' pcs making sure you DO NOT countersink them or the will go all the way thru both boards into your floor. Then put two screws thru the top 4'pc into the top of the 701/2"pc.
DIY 6 Tank Fry Rack DIYFryRack10

Now move that piece out of the way and make another one just like it with the rest of the boards.
After you have two built you need to stand them on thier side next to each other with the 701/2"pcs facing out so you can connect them together using the eight 1'pcs.
DIY 6 Tank Fry Rack DIYFryRack11

Take four of the 1'pcs and lay them flat on the 6'pc under each of the 4'pcs.
Measure from outside to outside of the 4'pcs 11".
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Measure each one as you go to make sure they are all 11". Put two
screws on each end of the 1'pcs into the 6'pcs making sure you DO NOT
countersink them.
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Flip it over and do the other side the same way measuring 11" as you go.
After your thru with the other side, stand it up.
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Put six 10 gallon tanks on it and your in business!
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And that is how ya build a Six Tank Fry Rack!

Oh, BTW, it only cost me $25.78 for ten 8' 2x4's
and a 1lb box of 3" drywall screws at
DIY 6 Tank Fry Rack LowesLogo

Side Note:
The two 2'pcs that are left over can be used on the bottom (one on each side)
To make the base wider and more stable but it will stick out and then becomes a tripping hazard.
Or
You can use them on top to go from the rack to the wall by cuttin the length you need to reach the wall
then screwing the piece you cut off to the wall and then screw the piece you cut to length to it and the rack.

Subject: Re: DIY 6 Tank Fry Rack 8/6/2009, 4:44 pm

Well done. Are those 10 gallons?

Guest

KMX wrote:: Well done. Are those 10 gallons?

Thanks, I had to edit my post four times before I got it to look right.
Those are 10 gal tanks.
I'm currently lookin for three 20 longs and I'm goin to build another one to put them on.

Subject: Re: DIY 6 Tank Fry Rack 8/6/2009, 4:54 pm

Look at your post for the 20 longs...I said i would trade i have 12 20 longs ;0)

Guest

Add cross braces to the back!
Other than that it looks great

Private Posts : 2

I think it needs to have plywood put on the back and sides

Subject: Re: DIY 6 Tank Fry Rack 8/13/2009, 10:08 pm

What you need next is a nice little air pump so you can get about 20-30 lines going on 1 pump. save some major electric. Loooking good tang

Guest

Ya I have a huge air pump. I will be piping air to all my tanks soon.

Subject: Re: DIY 6 Tank Fry Rack 8/14/2009, 2:16 pm

Well done Tang.

Subject: Re: DIY 6 Tank Fry Rack 9/9/2009, 8:08 am

i like it. i wouldnt add the plywood to the back though. without it you can easily move it around if u need too. that plywood adds so much weight.

Guest

germanreds wrote:: i like it. i wouldnt add the plywood to the back though. without it you can easily move it around if u need too. that plywood adds so much weight.

Yeh, fern said she wanted to build one that holds 12 tanks instead of six.
I told her I could be kicked out of my house at any time without warning
and needed to make sure all my stuff could be easily moved.

Not to mention, I'm what most peeps would consider poor,
so I do everything at the smallest cost possible.
Plywood is just an unnecessary expense.

Guest

You do need to add some cross braces to the back. Use a 1x2 and make an X on the back with it. It will add to the stability by making it unable to sway to one side or the other. Plus it will help keep it together if you have to move it. or get 3 pices of 1x2 and do a diagonal piece on the back and sides. /= side \= back / =other side ...<like that. Heck you could use scrap baseboard or molding for it, it doesn't have to be much.
I am just going to buy some industrial shelving for my rack. Well more like my dad is buying it for me so he doesn't have to help me build a stand. 3 shelves 5 20g longs on one 5 10's on another and something on the 3rd. Same configuration as I had said before, I need to cram a bunch of tanks in a small room.

Subject: Re: DIY 6 Tank Fry Rack 9/16/2009, 10:23 am

great idea. i'm going to try this one weekend...soon

Subject: Re: DIY 6 Tank Fry Rack 9/27/2009, 7:14 pm

I could have saved you 10%, since i work at lowes,lol would of been even cheaper!!

Subject: Re: DIY 6 Tank Fry Rack 9/27/2009, 7:21 pm

How much did the wood cost you ?

Subject: Re: DIY 6 Tank Fry Rack 9/27/2009, 7:26 pm

i think he said around 25 with a pound of screws

Subject: Re: DIY 6 Tank Fry Rack 10/8/2012, 12:44 pm

Nice how long is take you?

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