20 gallon tank on floating shelf?

musel101 · Mar 23, 2022

So as of right now I have a 12 gallon tank on the floating Corner shelf I have Oak 2 x 4 Screwed to the wall for support. My question is can I make it a 20 Gallon tall?
So do you think I can reinforce it with more 6 inch deck screws and more brackets to support the weight of a 20 gallon tall?

Joe31415 · Mar 23, 2022

With enough bracing a floating shelf could hold a very large tank (though at some point the wall itself will fail). As to whether or not *your* shelf can hold a tank that large and if it would or wouldn't need additional screws or brackets, no one here can answer that for you.

The only thing I can tell you, however, is that this isn't a 'deck screw' project. A 20g tank, plus what looks like other supporting equipment as well a sump or refugium and you're looking at, 200ish pounds. You should be using lag screws (and making sure they're really centered on the studs). Look at the type of screws that come with wall mounting kit for a large flat screen TV. I'd be using something around that size for any parts attached to the wall.

musel101 · Mar 23, 2022

Joe31415 said:
With enough bracing a floating shelf could hold a very large tank (though at some point the wall itself will fail). As to whether or not *your* shelf can hold a tank that large and if it would or wouldn't need additional screws or brackets, no one here can answer that for you.

The only thing I can tell you, however, is that this isn't a 'deck screw' project. A 20g tank, plus what looks like other supporting equipment as well a sump or refugium and you're looking at, 200ish pounds. You should be using lag screws (and making sure they're really centered on the studs). Look at the type of screws that come with wall mounting kit for a large flat screen TV. I'd be using something around that size for any parts attached to the wall.

I will be taking out the refugee them in DMI will be taking out the refugeum and the only thing there is gonna be a 20 gallon tank. I’m guessing a corner shelf is a lot stronger than putting a shelf on a flat wall?