Aquarium racks

[Ttw]

I notice in pictures from European aquarists the aquarium racks are often made of what appears to be aluminum tubing and nylon (zytel) connectors. Does anyone have any information regarding these? What size of aquarium will they support?

 

[Mike Wise]

TomC has square aluminum tubing stands that match his metal-framed tanks (I don't recall them having nylon connectors, however). Most of his tanks were about 75 - 100 cm tanks. Together with the Larvikite stone tiles on the floor, it is undoubtedly the most beautiful fishroom I have ever seen!

 

[wethumbs]

I use 80/20 45series aluminum racks in my fishroom, there are no plastic parts other than the end caps which I dont use. The connections are all done by stainless steel brackets. The only issue with the aluminum rack is weight. I knew I should have gone with snowflake obsidian for the floor, but then I dont want to fall on my *ss everytime I spill water on the floor.

 

[Mike Wise]

Heavy?? Talk about heavy; my tanks are on standard 8X8X16" cinder blocks and 4x4 lumber. It still works after 25years! Oh, and the floor tiles are pealing off the concrete floor. I think I need an update on the room: new tanks, new stands, new lights, new air, ... Anyone want to donate to the 'Mike's fishroom remodel program'?:wink:

 

[Ttw]

A good example of the rack system that I am talking about can be seen in the picture on pages 24 and 25 of the Jan/Feb issue of Amazonas magazine. The black connectors look like the nylon connectors I've seen available but I would like to know for sure.

 

[Tom C]

Yes, we use this kind of racks and connectors. They are "Porsa"-racks. The aluminum tubes are 2,5 cm x 2,5 cm and up to 5 meters long.
Here you'll see the different kinds of connectors. As you might see: they have a core of aluminum.
A variant of the connectors

An example of the rack system

The system used for one large tank only

The system used in a shop