Tank on second floor

Ruckus16 · 09/27/2015, 07:35 AM

I'm looking for some info and suggestions. I want to upgrade my tank size. I currently have a 20 gallon. The place I want to put the new tank is on a second floor above my finished basement. I have engineered I-beam joists 16" apart. The tank will sit on an outside wall perpendicular to the joists.
I guess I'm looking for examples of tank sizes people have on their second floors. I can get a steal on a 180 right now and have a 55 sitting around I was going to use as a sump.

billdogg · 09/27/2015, 01:25 PM

My 120g tank with 40b sump sits pretty much in the middle of my house. It does sit perpendicular to the joists, and one of the steel I-beams is almost directly underneath. It is solid as a rock.

heathlindner25 · 09/27/2015, 02:49 PM

you might be pushing it with a 180 but I'll wait for the engineers to chime in,I'm sure they could answer this question better and the fact that you're near an exterior wall helps you

figuerres · 09/27/2015, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heathlindner25

you might be pushing it with a 180 but I'll wait for the engineers to chime in,I'm sure they could answer this question better and the fact that you're near an exterior wall helps you

that's the thing, ask an structural engineer to take a look and give you a professional opinion.

we can guess at what load you can put on that but the best thing to do is have the guy see directly what the beams are made of how they are installed and he can do the right math to say what load the floor can handle. he may also recommend any needed changes to make it work.

heathlindner25 · 09/27/2015, 03:10 PM

+1 If it were me I would have an engineer look at it...luckily I know a couple..lol

09/27/2015, 07:35 AM	#1
Ruckus16 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 38	Tank on second floor I'm looking for some info and suggestions. I want to upgrade my tank size. I currently have a 20 gallon. The place I want to put the new tank is on a second floor above my finished basement. I have engineered I-beam joists 16" apart. The tank will sit on an outside wall perpendicular to the joists. I guess I'm looking for examples of tank sizes people have on their second floors. I can get a steal on a 180 right now and have a 55 sitting around I was going to use as a sump.

09/27/2015, 01:25 PM	#2
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	My 120g tank with 40b sump sits pretty much in the middle of my house. It does sit perpendicular to the joists, and one of the steel I-beams is almost directly underneath. It is solid as a rock. __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

09/27/2015, 02:49 PM	#3
heathlindner25 Moved On Join Date: May 2012 Location: flowery branch georgia Posts: 3,644	you might be pushing it with a 180 but I'll wait for the engineers to chime in,I'm sure they could answer this question better and the fact that you're near an exterior wall helps you

09/27/2015, 03:10 PM	#5
heathlindner25 Moved On Join Date: May 2012 Location: flowery branch georgia Posts: 3,644	+1 If it were me I would have an engineer look at it...luckily I know a couple..lol