Determining weight question

Str8linespeed · 11/03/2017, 11:34 AM

How do you determine the weight of a fully stocked and operational tank? Im looking at upgrading from my 65gal to a 135gal. I believe its going to be to much weight for my main level and it will have to go into the basement.

Rover88 · 11/03/2017, 11:40 AM

You ballpark it.

135 gallons is approximately 1161 lbs (8.6ish pounds per gallon).

But you will have sand and rock, so make that number higher. You will also have a stand, and maybe a sump. That being said, from when I was looking into it the consensus I saw (if there was one) was it wasn't until you were around 2000 lbs you needed to start worrying.

Str8linespeed · 11/03/2017, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rover88

You ballpark it.

135 gallons is approximately 1161 lbs (8.6ish pounds per gallon).

But you will have sand and rock, so make that number higher. You will also have a stand, and maybe a sump. That being said, from when I was looking into it the consensus I saw (if there was one) was it wasn't until you were around 2000 lbs you needed to start worrying.

I know, water weighs 8.43lbs/gal. but was unsure of the rest... I also have floor trusses 24" O.C, and was planning on spanning those, but Im still trying to find out just how much weight trusses can hold.

Thanks, its a start.

hkgar · 11/03/2017, 11:49 AM

You should be fine on the main floor but with a couple of considerations. Tank should be perpendicular to the floor joists and if possible against an outside wall. That will distribute the weight across at least three floor joists close to the foundation.

Rover88 · 11/03/2017, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Str8linespeed

I know, water weighs 8.43lbs/gal. but was unsure of the rest... I also have floor trusses 24" O.C, and was planning on spanning those, but Im still trying to find out just how much weight trusses can hold.

Thanks, its a start.

Seawater ways 64 lbs cubic foot, fresh is 62 a cubic foot.

so saltwater is closer to 8.6 lbs a gallon, even if its not true saltwater.

There are too many variables to truly ever answer this question, based on what I learned looking into it. Depends on how close you are to a load bearing wall, whether its parallel or perpendicular, what size your trusses are (2x6, 2x8, 2x12, etc) and a variety of other factors.

The below article was really helpful to me.

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/article...ium_weight.php

mcgyvr · 11/03/2017, 12:08 PM

In general... multiply length of room x width of room x 40
Thats the total weight your floor in that room should be able to support..

But yes.. without contacting a structural engineer and performing a detailed analysis (which is the only way you will get a proper answer) in general you should have zero problem with a 135G tank..

Str8linespeed · 11/03/2017, 01:00 PM

Thanks all for the info. I agree a structural engineer is the way to go. Right now just trying to get a ball park idea. My floor trusses look like these.

wood_floor_trusses_05.jpg

But mine are made from 2x4's and 24" tall, 24" on center. It would be on a perimeter wall, although my basement foundation is wood and built out of 2x6's 16" on center. I also have a large open floor plan in the room I want to put this in. About 30' x 40' with vaulted ceilings and the basement below is open as well. There are not support walls.

mcgyvr · 11/03/2017, 03:09 PM

not an issue...

ReeferNoob4ever · 11/03/2017, 04:37 PM

I always multiply the tank by 10. In your case that's less than a california king waterbed. So if you would trust putting a waterbed there you will be fine with your tank.

Str8linespeed · 11/03/2017, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReeferNoob4ever

I always multiply the tank by 10. In your case that's less than a california king waterbed. So if you would trust putting a waterbed there you will be fine with your tank.

hahaha, that is a unique way of thinking about it.. Man, waterbeds. Now those were the days.. I just remember when I was throwing out my queen water bed and it fell on me in the back of my pick up while I was trying to toss it in the apartment dumpster myself..

zheka757 · 11/03/2017, 08:56 PM

man reading all this concerns you guys have up north.... Im glad i live in Florida on all concrete floors.

hkgar · 11/04/2017, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zheka757

man reading all this concerns you guys have up north.... Im glad i live in Florida on all concrete floors.

Where do you store all the junk without a basement?

zheka757 · 11/04/2017, 01:32 PM

trying not to have any junk to begin with. and if i do its in garage or attic. Florida dont have basements due to VERY moist soil anything below 4-5 ft.

hkgar · 11/04/2017, 02:16 PM

I know lived in Cape Coral area for 4 years

11/03/2017, 11:34 AM	#1
Str8linespeed Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Oakdale, MN Posts: 461	Determining weight question How do you determine the weight of a fully stocked and operational tank? Im looking at upgrading from my 65gal to a 135gal. I believe its going to be to much weight for my main level and it will have to go into the basement.

11/03/2017, 11:49 AM	#4
hkgar Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Dewitt MI Posts: 5,051	You should be fine on the main floor but with a couple of considerations. Tank should be perpendicular to the floor joists and if possible against an outside wall. That will distribute the weight across at least three floor joists close to the foundation. __________________ Gary 180 gallon, 40 gallon sump, 3 250 W MH + 4 80W ATI T5's, MTC MVX 36 Skimmer, Apex controller Aquamaxx T-3 CaRx Current Tank Info: A 2 Barred Rabbitfish, Red Head Salon, Yellow/Purple, McMaster Fairy, Possum, 2 Leopard Wrasses, Kole, & Atlantic Blue Tangs, 2 Percula Clown, 3 PJ and 1 Banggai Cardinalfish , Swallowtail, Bellus and Coral Beauty Angels

11/03/2017, 12:08 PM	#6
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	In general... multiply length of room x width of room x 40 Thats the total weight your floor in that room should be able to support.. But yes.. without contacting a structural engineer and performing a detailed analysis (which is the only way you will get a proper answer) in general you should have zero problem with a 135G tank.. __________________ Who me?

11/03/2017, 03:09 PM	#8
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	not an issue... __________________ Who me?

11/03/2017, 04:37 PM	#9
ReeferNoob4ever Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: NM Posts: 523	I always multiply the tank by 10. In your case that's less than a california king waterbed. So if you would trust putting a waterbed there you will be fine with your tank. __________________ Get a life! Current Tank Info: 20gL mixed reef, 10g mixed reef w/nem & clown, 5g NPS & harlequin

11/03/2017, 11:40 AM	#2
Rover88 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: New Brunswick, Canada Posts: 590	You ballpark it. 135 gallons is approximately 1161 lbs (8.6ish pounds per gallon). But you will have sand and rock, so make that number higher. You will also have a stand, and maybe a sump. That being said, from when I was looking into it the consensus I saw (if there was one) was it wasn't until you were around 2000 lbs you needed to start worrying.

11/03/2017, 01:00 PM	#7
Str8linespeed Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Oakdale, MN Posts: 461	Thanks all for the info. I agree a structural engineer is the way to go. Right now just trying to get a ball park idea. My floor trusses look like these. wood_floor_trusses_05.jpg But mine are made from 2x4's and 24" tall, 24" on center. It would be on a perimeter wall, although my basement foundation is wood and built out of 2x6's 16" on center. I also have a large open floor plan in the room I want to put this in. About 30' x 40' with vaulted ceilings and the basement below is open as well. There are not support walls.

11/03/2017, 08:56 PM	#11
zheka757 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: North Port Florida Posts: 283	man reading all this concerns you guys have up north.... Im glad i live in Florida on all concrete floors.

11/04/2017, 01:32 PM	#13
zheka757 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: North Port Florida Posts: 283	trying not to have any junk to begin with. and if i do its in garage or attic. Florida dont have basements due to VERY moist soil anything below 4-5 ft.

11/04/2017, 02:16 PM	#14
hkgar Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Dewitt MI Posts: 5,051	I know lived in Cape Coral area for 4 years __________________ Gary 180 gallon, 40 gallon sump, 3 250 W MH + 4 80W ATI T5's, MTC MVX 36 Skimmer, Apex controller Aquamaxx T-3 CaRx Current Tank Info: A 2 Barred Rabbitfish, Red Head Salon, Yellow/Purple, McMaster Fairy, Possum, 2 Leopard Wrasses, Kole, & Atlantic Blue Tangs, 2 Percula Clown, 3 PJ and 1 Banggai Cardinalfish , Swallowtail, Bellus and Coral Beauty Angels Last edited by hkgar; 11/04/2017 at 02:21 PM.