Jack Hammering Near Tank???

Salamander · 10/21/2008, 11:13 AM

The water main underneath my house has burst!

Adding to the problem is that the plumber thinks it is about 2-3 feet away from my tank!

We have a concrete slab they will need to jackhammer through to reach the pipe below.

I'm thinking I need to break down the tank, set up temporary digs and move the tank.

Has anyone had to deal with something like this?

Do you think its possible just to screen the tank with wood and blankets to protect it from flying debris and leave it in place? Would the vibration be too much?

HELP!

DLANDINO · 10/21/2008, 11:19 AM

How secure is your LR? It could topple over and break a pane of glass.I would err on the side of caution and as terrible as it sounds, move the tank. Good luck.

Dave

Salamander · 10/21/2008, 11:34 AM

I think the LR is pretty stable. I just can't imagine pulling all the LR and corals to drain and move the tank. I finally have everything dialed in and this will just screw it all up and I'm sure I'll likely lose some corals.

Anyone else have thoughts or experiences to share?

Salamander · 10/21/2008, 01:14 PM

Bump to the top....

REEF-n-Chicago · 10/21/2008, 01:18 PM

Geez, I dont know what to tell you except that I would be really worried about the rock falling if it is not glued together

cdness · 10/21/2008, 01:19 PM

well if you are concerned I'd say drain and move... With a 120 that would suck so I understand the desire to not want to move it.

If you think it will survive, just leave it there and cover it really well. Maybe leave it dark to cause less stress to the fish with the vibrations... no idea if that will help but worth a shot.

Have a shop vac and buckets handy just in case...

tankjunky · 10/21/2008, 02:15 PM

If the rock is stable and its protected from flying rocks and dust I would say it would be fine. A 15" sub hasnt caused any effects on my tank yet. Its about 7-10 feet away but thers nothing between them. But also It wasnt ever used for long hours at one time and probly nowher near the ground vibrations that a jack hammer would make.

cdness · 10/21/2008, 02:26 PM

A 15" sub would sure give the fish some "good vibrations" but I don't think that would be aywhere near the direct vibrations through the floor from the jackhammer... but if the rock is stable it should be fine. Now if you set the tank on the sub box and faced the sub towards the bottom of the tank that might be a bit closer...lol

Ask to be told when they are going to do the work. Be there to babysit the tank and make sure nothing happens. I'll cross my fingers for you but you should be fine...

crvz · 10/21/2008, 02:41 PM

I'd tear it down, the amount stress the seams may experience during the event may be catastrophic, and it's just not worth the risk in my opinion. Having the tank full may exaggerate the loading.

Salamander · 10/21/2008, 02:41 PM

I'm here with the plumbers and now they're not so sure its close to my tank. But they still haven't figured it out yet. They're using helium now to try and pin point the leak. I have my fingers crossed.

cdness · 10/21/2008, 02:46 PM

Why not tear it down part way... Take at least half the water out. Put the corals and fish in rubbermaids (in a different room) and store the water in a brute can. That way there isn't as much weight on the seams and may reduce the stress that the tank will need to withstand. Just a thought...

Rae C. · 10/21/2008, 04:25 PM

+1, partial tear down would be better than a complete, and would certainly reduce the risk. You could even use a light net over the rocks just to slow any falls they might make.

I would definitely move any fish. I think they are quite sensitive to that type of longterm noise/vibrations.

stuccodude · 10/21/2008, 05:12 PM

i had a crack in my foor when i bought it and i made the crack much bigger to properly patch it and leval it and i used a small chipping hammer( hooks up to a compressor and fits in your hand) the vibration is small and works well with a good compressor. good luck and covger your tank with a wet sheet for the dust and do a big water change when your done, good to do anyway. my 2 cents.

stuccodude · 10/21/2008, 05:15 PM

another option is delete that water line and run a different one through the attic. probly a couple drywall patches but no biggy.

UmpaLumpa · 10/21/2008, 05:23 PM

Wow that sucks. This just happened to a neighbor of mine a couple of days ago, but he didn't have to move a tank. They ended up pulling all the carpet. Anyway, I think the partial tear down would be a good start

3.99AfterTaxes · 10/21/2008, 06:13 PM

You can isolate the vibration by getting the plumber or yourself to cut through the slap with a wet saw around the area you need removed and use the jack hammer within this area. This might alleviate the transfer of vibrations through the slab. It is also possible to use the wet saw to break the hole down to smaller sections and remove them by hand.

slumpysix · 10/21/2008, 06:39 PM

If they use a 70 lb electric hammer then you should not have any issues other than dust, cover your tank well. If they use the compressor and 90 lb hammer, you might consider taking down the tank, that will certainly stir up dust tremendously and rumble the floor and tank and whatever else is near by. Using the wet saw would be a way also, but if it's a gas saw then you may have other issues in the house.

10/21/2008, 11:13 AM	#1
Salamander Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Flagstaff, Arizona Posts: 2,103	Jack Hammering Near Tank??? The water main underneath my house has burst! Adding to the problem is that the plumber thinks it is about 2-3 feet away from my tank! We have a concrete slab they will need to jackhammer through to reach the pipe below. I'm thinking I need to break down the tank, set up temporary digs and move the tank. Has anyone had to deal with something like this? Do you think its possible just to screen the tank with wood and blankets to protect it from flying debris and leave it in place? Would the vibration be too much? HELP! __________________ I feel more like myself now than I did before. Current Tank Info: 120g mixed reef, 2 x 250W DE MH, 2 x 54w T5, MSX 200 SKimmer, 2 Koralia 4's, 40g fuge/sump, QT

10/21/2008, 11:19 AM	#2
DLANDINO D.L. Heritage Rings Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Clinton, CT USA Posts: 5,610	How secure is your LR? It could topple over and break a pane of glass.I would err on the side of caution and as terrible as it sounds, move the tank. Good luck. Dave __________________ Dave Current Tank Info: JBJ 8 Nano mixed

10/21/2008, 11:34 AM	#3
Salamander Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Flagstaff, Arizona Posts: 2,103	I think the LR is pretty stable. I just can't imagine pulling all the LR and corals to drain and move the tank. I finally have everything dialed in and this will just screw it all up and I'm sure I'll likely lose some corals. Anyone else have thoughts or experiences to share? __________________ I feel more like myself now than I did before. Current Tank Info: 120g mixed reef, 2 x 250W DE MH, 2 x 54w T5, MSX 200 SKimmer, 2 Koralia 4's, 40g fuge/sump, QT

10/21/2008, 01:14 PM	#4
Salamander Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Flagstaff, Arizona Posts: 2,103	Bump to the top.... __________________ I feel more like myself now than I did before. Current Tank Info: 120g mixed reef, 2 x 250W DE MH, 2 x 54w T5, MSX 200 SKimmer, 2 Koralia 4's, 40g fuge/sump, QT

10/21/2008, 01:18 PM	#5
REEF-n-Chicago Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA (san pedro) Posts: 1,456	Geez, I dont know what to tell you except that I would be really worried about the rock falling if it is not glued together __________________ Jordan My tank gets DRUNK every morning Current Tank Info: 150 Gallon w/ 100 gallon sump; 240 gallon

10/21/2008, 01:19 PM	#6
cdness Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Fargo, ND Posts: 870	well if you are concerned I'd say drain and move... With a 120 that would suck so I understand the desire to not want to move it. If you think it will survive, just leave it there and cover it really well. Maybe leave it dark to cause less stress to the fish with the vibrations... no idea if that will help but worth a shot. Have a shop vac and buckets handy just in case... __________________ 125G Reef, 40G sump, Marineland 4500 returns, Dart Closed Loop, OM 4-way, LED and Apollo LED Red River Valley Reefers - Fargo, Moorhead, Grand Forks Reef Club -http://redrivervalleyreefers.com Current Tank Info: 75G display, 20G sump, Additional 10G Fuge, drilled, Ocean Runner 6500 for closed loop, Catalina Aquarium CA4000 Return pump, MSX 160 Skimmer

10/21/2008, 02:15 PM	#7
tankjunky Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Vacaville CA Posts: 1,146	If the rock is stable and its protected from flying rocks and dust I would say it would be fine. A 15" sub hasnt caused any effects on my tank yet. Its about 7-10 feet away but thers nothing between them. But also It wasnt ever used for long hours at one time and probly nowher near the ground vibrations that a jack hammer would make.

10/21/2008, 02:26 PM	#8
cdness Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Fargo, ND Posts: 870	A 15" sub would sure give the fish some "good vibrations" but I don't think that would be aywhere near the direct vibrations through the floor from the jackhammer... but if the rock is stable it should be fine. Now if you set the tank on the sub box and faced the sub towards the bottom of the tank that might be a bit closer...lol Ask to be told when they are going to do the work. Be there to babysit the tank and make sure nothing happens. I'll cross my fingers for you but you should be fine... __________________ 125G Reef, 40G sump, Marineland 4500 returns, Dart Closed Loop, OM 4-way, LED and Apollo LED Red River Valley Reefers - Fargo, Moorhead, Grand Forks Reef Club -http://redrivervalleyreefers.com Current Tank Info: 75G display, 20G sump, Additional 10G Fuge, drilled, Ocean Runner 6500 for closed loop, Catalina Aquarium CA4000 Return pump, MSX 160 Skimmer

10/21/2008, 02:41 PM	#9
crvz Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: houstonia Posts: 7,989	I'd tear it down, the amount stress the seams may experience during the event may be catastrophic, and it's just not worth the risk in my opinion. Having the tank full may exaggerate the loading. __________________ -Chris- You don't win friends with salad. "Look! They're trying to learn for free!" ... "Use your phony guns as clubs!" Current Tank Info: rectangluar? wet?

10/21/2008, 02:46 PM	#11
cdness Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Fargo, ND Posts: 870	Why not tear it down part way... Take at least half the water out. Put the corals and fish in rubbermaids (in a different room) and store the water in a brute can. That way there isn't as much weight on the seams and may reduce the stress that the tank will need to withstand. Just a thought... __________________ 125G Reef, 40G sump, Marineland 4500 returns, Dart Closed Loop, OM 4-way, LED and Apollo LED Red River Valley Reefers - Fargo, Moorhead, Grand Forks Reef Club -http://redrivervalleyreefers.com Current Tank Info: 75G display, 20G sump, Additional 10G Fuge, drilled, Ocean Runner 6500 for closed loop, Catalina Aquarium CA4000 Return pump, MSX 160 Skimmer

10/21/2008, 04:25 PM	#12
Rae C. Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Colorado Posts: 916	+1, partial tear down would be better than a complete, and would certainly reduce the risk. You could even use a light net over the rocks just to slow any falls they might make. I would definitely move any fish. I think they are quite sensitive to that type of longterm noise/vibrations. __________________ Rae C It's 8:30, kids. Turn off the tank and go to bed! Current Tank Info: 65 gal, softies, 1 mandarine, 1 clown

10/21/2008, 05:12 PM	#13
stuccodude Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: sanger Posts: 1,040	i had a crack in my foor when i bought it and i made the crack much bigger to properly patch it and leval it and i used a small chipping hammer( hooks up to a compressor and fits in your hand) the vibration is small and works well with a good compressor. good luck and covger your tank with a wet sheet for the dust and do a big water change when your done, good to do anyway. my 2 cents. __________________ fear the wrath of patrick willis!!! no offense is safe. Current Tank Info: 240 all the goodies,hydra 26 led lights, chiller etc

10/21/2008, 05:15 PM	#14
stuccodude Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: sanger Posts: 1,040	another option is delete that water line and run a different one through the attic. probly a couple drywall patches but no biggy. __________________ fear the wrath of patrick willis!!! no offense is safe. Current Tank Info: 240 all the goodies,hydra 26 led lights, chiller etc

10/21/2008, 05:23 PM	#15
UmpaLumpa Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Tyler, Texas Posts: 123	Wow that sucks. This just happened to a neighbor of mine a couple of days ago, but he didn't have to move a tank. They ended up pulling all the carpet. Anyway, I think the partial tear down would be a good start

10/21/2008, 06:13 PM	#16
3.99AfterTaxes Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 391	You can isolate the vibration by getting the plumber or yourself to cut through the slap with a wet saw around the area you need removed and use the jack hammer within this area. This might alleviate the transfer of vibrations through the slab. It is also possible to use the wet saw to break the hole down to smaller sections and remove them by hand. __________________ There are three people to a threesome. I am two people short every night.

10/21/2008, 06:39 PM	#17
slumpysix Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 837	If they use a 70 lb electric hammer then you should not have any issues other than dust, cover your tank well. If they use the compressor and 90 lb hammer, you might consider taking down the tank, that will certainly stir up dust tremendously and rumble the floor and tank and whatever else is near by. Using the wet saw would be a way also, but if it's a gas saw then you may have other issues in the house.