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Blackout Curtains To Block Sunlight – https://glassboxdiaries.com/blackoutcurtians

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Aquarium Rack Setup Tips: How I Fit MORE Tanks in LESS Space – Maximize Your Fish Room Space!

Aquarium racks are an excellent solution for maximizing space while keeping more tanks in your fish room. In this video, I’ll walk you through the racks I use, how to choose the right rack for your setup, and tips for setting up your own aquarium rack system.

I personally use two types of racks in my fish room. For larger aquariums, I rely on heavy-duty racks from B&Q, but similar racks should be available at your local hardware stores. For smaller setups, like my 25-liter (6.6-gallon) tanks and shrimp jars, I use compact racks ordered from Amazon. These aren’t DIY racks—they’re simple, affordable storage racks that you can buy online, and I think they’re a great option for most people.

Choosing the Right Rack for Your Fish Room
Let’s start with some tips for choosing the perfect rack.

Material Matters
I recommend stainless steel racks because they resist rust and mold, staying durable over time. While DIY wooden racks can work for some, I haven’t used them personally, though I know others who’ve had success with them. On the other hand, plastic racks are not a good choice for aquariums—they’re too weak to hold the weight reliably.

Shelving Material
Many racks come with MDF (medium-density fiberboard) shelves. MDF is fine if you’re careful with water changes, but it can warp if exposed to too much water. One of my racks experienced warping after a 10-liter spill, so I’ve been gradually replacing MDF shelves with plywood for better water resistance.

Shelf Dimensions
Measure your tanks and ensure the shelves are large enough to accommodate them, plus some extra space. For example, if your aquarium is 100 cm by 50 cm, go for a shelf at least 150 cm by 75 cm to allow room for maintenance tools and accessories.

Load Capacity
Make sure the rack can handle the weight of your tanks. A good rule of thumb is to double the volume of your tank in liters to estimate the required load capacity in kilograms. For instance, a 25-liter tank would need a rack that can support at least 50 kg.

Rack Placement Tips
Choose a strong, level floor to support your racks. My fish room has a concrete floor, which is ideal for heavy racks. If your floor isn’t level, use shims to make adjustments. Avoid placing racks near windows to prevent algae growth from sunlight. If you can’t avoid windows, blackout curtains are a great solution.

Make sure the rack is close to a power supply, or use plug extenders to manage power cables efficiently.

Setting Up Your Rack
When assembling your rack, take the time to read the user manual. Modern racks are straightforward to put together—mine took less than 20 minutes to assemble and didn’t require any tools.

Place the heaviest tanks on the lower shelves to lower the center of gravity and reduce tipping risks. For example, my yellow Neocaridina shrimp tank sits on the bottom shelf because it contains heavy Hakkari Stone. Also, use aquarium mats to protect the glass and prevent damage from debris.

Cable management is crucial for a neat and functional setup. Run cables down one side of the rack to minimize strain and avoid tangles. If you’re using advanced equipment like canister filters or auto water-change systems, plan their placement carefully.

Lighting Tips
I currently place lights directly on my tanks, but I’ve considered mounting them on the upper shelves to shine down. This setup can also support emergent plants by providing extra light. Another idea is using thin submersible lights fitted into the rack supports for a high-powered, budget-friendly lighting system.

My Experience with Racking Systems
I’ve used my heavy-duty racks for over a year and my shrimp rack for about nine months, and they’ve been fantastic investments. Aside from the MDF warping issue, which can be mitigated by using plywood, the racks have held up well with no rust or corrosion. My shrimp rack, in particular, has been stable even in a high-traffic area next to my desk.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Intro
00:10 – Large Aquarium Rack
00:21 – Small Aquarium Rack
00:30 – How To Setup And Aquarium Rack
00:40 – Using Storage Racks
00:50 – How To Choose A Rack For Your Fish Room
00:55 – Aquarium Rack Materials
01:26 – Shelf Material
02:19 – Shelf Dimensions
03:16 – Load Capacity
04:26 – Rack Placement
05:33 – Aquarium Rack Setup
06:10 – Placing Aquariums On The Rack
07:50 – My Experiences With These Racks

Some of the links in this video description may be affiliate links meaning I earn a small commission from any purchases made

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