Custom rack or good selection of racks

**SeVenZ** · 9th Apr 2012, 23:42

Hi guys,
been pondering with the idea of having a 3ft rack for my tanks
i have two 2ft by 1ft and one 3ft by 1.5ft by 1.5ft tank.
currently i have a 2ft rack for the two 2ft tanks but the 3ft is on a cabinet.
i want to put them all in a rack so i save some space in the house.
so i need to know where can i have a good selection of racks to choose from?
Would prefer just a normal square tubed ,powdered coated black stand,
not those WI stands with fancy decorations.
something like this

Also if i intend to custom the rack so i can add a canister stand(similar 3 tiered) just beside, where would i go to ?
any input on fabricators would be appreciated

it would be good if its under $50

**cherabin** · 9th Apr 2012, 23:50

Under $50 is a long long shot if you were to get someone to customize it. Look more at the $200-300 range instead.

For off-the-shelve, you can try those SS racks used for kitchen equipment. Take note though that the weight loading of the shelf.

**SeVenZ** · 9th Apr 2012, 23:52

hahaha. i know, but how much should i be looking at, lets say those at LFS, basic 3ft 3tier stands.

**eviltrain** · 9th Apr 2012, 23:59

I think bro newlife is selling a stainless steel rack. You can try serch in the marketplace.

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**cheetf** · 10th Apr 2012, 06:42

You could always call or email them for a quote.

**Blue Whale** · 10th Apr 2012, 09:22

Originally Posted by SeVenZ

hahaha. i know, but how much should i be looking at, lets say those at LFS, basic 3ft 3tier stands.

The rack I am building now is slightly more than 3ft. Two things come to mind when you talk about racks.
1. Load - can take it or not.
2. Rust - will rust or not.

So even if you get off the shelves, it is best that you take some time to paint it. It will last you longer. Optional here is red paint as the first coat, this is the anti-rust coating but it eats a lot of paint when you try to paint later, you will need at least 2-3 coatings of paint for that matter. Can be back breaking as you paint all around. For the rack itself I built it for $220, hence take the cue from there. Each custom DIY rack price differs with the design.

**felix_fx2** · 10th Apr 2012, 12:31

Originally Posted by cherabin

Under $50 is a long long shot if you were to get someone to customize it. Look more at the $200-300 range instead.

For off-the-shelve, you can try those SS racks used for kitchen equipment. Take note though that the weight loading of the shelf.

Custom SS racks can be costly with low resale value.

**darrentyl** · 10th Apr 2012, 12:36

Any idea how much to have a 4ft, 3 tier rack?

**stormhawk** · 10th Apr 2012, 12:37

Maybe Don aka Navanod can give you a better answer. I think such a rack, depending on material, may cost around $300+

**zonkkie** · 10th Apr 2012, 12:49

My custom made rack similar to yours.... 3x1.5x~5 ft but mine is 4 tier as all low profile tanks. Cost around $500. Price also depends on thickness of the bars but you can use mine as a gauge if you are going to custom make.

**darrentyl** · 10th Apr 2012, 12:56

Wow. Hope can find a second hand one. Was thinking of having 2 2ft tank side by side on each tier. If can find a second hand tank, will decomm my existing setup. lol

**Navanod** · 10th Apr 2012, 14:30

Mine costed around $300++ for a 2 tiered 4ftx2ft custom rack with 4 legs.
I frankly don't know what steel I got, but its very fat & thick square hollow metal bars that is very soild. The black paint job flakes off easily, but no signs of rust yet.

SS rack will cost much more, double if I'm not wrong.
Mild steel is quite easily rusted while wrought iron is just, plain ugly. But it's all about personal preferences and budget.

**mincedmeat** · 12th Apr 2012, 10:03

I just recently made an order for a 2 tier 2x1.5 ft mild steel rack and I was already quoted $120. $50 for the rack you have in mind is just impossible.

**Blue Whale** · 12th Apr 2012, 19:19

Maybe $50 could get you a 2nd hand one. But how long has it been utilised and how much water has it been exposed that the metal structure might have weakened. The thing is question will then be, is it worth saving a bit to get 2nd hand one, only to discover that the whole thing collapse with the tank within 1 year? Is it worth risking it? A simple setup of planted tank can cost $300-500 easily, is it then worth this kinda of risk, that is the thinker point. Worst of all is what? All 3 tanks goes in an instant. Can you imagine yourself in that kinda position?

My advice, save a few months more, then proceed with your plan. Solid foundation is always important.