Shelf to hold a 180 litre fishtank. Advice needed please. Information, help and advice on many architecture, self build and design problems and issues

[jimlard]

Hello, I would like to put a shelf up to hold a 180 litre fish tank.
The shelf will be situated in an alcove next to the chimney breast and will be 1100mm x 400mm.
I realise that this fish tank will be a heavy item, I'm guessing around 280kg in total.
I would like to fix a timber rail around the three (brick) walls which in turn will support a 40mm thick piece of solid beechwood worktop.
What fixings are best to use to fix the timber rail to the brickwork?
What size timber rail would you recommend?
And does this sound a feasible idea or is there another better way please?
Many thanks.

[welsh brickie]

To be on the safe side,I would use 50mmx50mm square steel frame and bolt it to the wall,then use 18mm blockboard for the shelf,you can face the blockboard with 70mmx20mm pine.

[jimlard]

Thank you for your reply. Would you use the sleeved bolts that expand when you tighten them or would you use screw bolts with a wall plug?

[welsh brickie]

you can use bolts,but I prefer stardrive fixings,you only need a pilot hole and the screw/bolt drives straight into the brick/block

[collectors]

Would personally use 3x2 timber minimum frame & fix to the wall with 6 or 7 raw bolts & lay the 40mm shelf on top.

[jimlard]

Thanks Welsh brickie and collectors. I've got a day off this Tuesday so it will be going up then, thank you both for your advice.

[manny1481]

Hi,
I want to do pretty much the same - but the load should be no more than 150kg.
What did Jimland do in the end? - It is possible to use 3 supporting sides with anchor bolts to hold a solid wood shelf and 140kg load. Or is the only safest option a supporting frame sat on the floor? - advice please guys would be grately appreciated.
Dave

[manny1481]

Hi,
i am planning on doing the above but with a 150kg load.
Did Jimland achieve what he wanted?
Is it possible to use 3 supporting sides with anchor bolts or is a stand the only safest way.
I would like to know if anyone has done similar
Kind Regards

[TheDoctor4]

Hi All

Just a quick note to say and update to this post for any future viewers - we have just produced a project page showing how to build a work bench using the Simpson Strong Tie work bench system. Although this project focuses on work benches the Simpson product can also be used to construct sturdy shelving units that may be of some use in this situation and other similar ones:
https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/ho ... helves.htm

[MarkGrogan]

Not usre if this question has been asked, but what are you intending to do with all the space underneath the humungous fish tank? It's obviously not going to be solid, so I'm asssuming that the filters and piping will be in storage under there right? You might want to use reinforced steel or better yet, get a professional aquarium or tank guy to give you a bit of advice on how you can get the whole thing integrated?