Anyone have tank weight issues?

davidcalgary29 · 01/25/2006, 04:52 PM

I bought a used 165g tank yesterday for an unbeatable price, and am in the process of moving it into my kitchen, which is on the ground floor of my house...but am hesitating at the thought of placing so much stress on the floor of my house.

I'm sure this issue has come up before, but has anyone ever caused any structural damage to their homes by placing a similar-sized aquarium in their home? Placing this aquarium in my unfinished basement is not an option, and would like to hear some casual opinions before I either add floor supports and/or try for a smaller tank. Thanks!

KevinM · 01/25/2006, 05:22 PM

It really all depends on the current framing of the floor where the tank will go. Joist size, joist spacing, direction of span relative to tank, type and thickness of subfloor, and proximity of tank to load bearing members below the joists are all the things you'll need to know.
Find out at least a few of those things and we can go from there.

Kev

reefshadow · 01/25/2006, 05:23 PM

I would recommend reinforcing the floor if you are at all handy. We purchased a couple of those mobile home jacks from the hardware store and some pressure treated 2x10's to reinforce for my 240. (but have no basement). I haven't noticed any stress cracks in the sheet rock or similar signs of damage yet (knock on wood).

Also try to position the tank running across the floor joists, as many as possible.

All that said, 165 gallons may not be that bad depending on how your house was constructed. The joists can be spaced 12, 16, or 24 inches, and can be constructed with 2x6's up to 2x12's. You should be able to get up under there and take a look if you have an unfinished basement. If you have alot of deflection (bounce) to your floor you should probably reinforce.

What is the footprint of the tank? Do you plan on a sump now or later?

I dunno. It's better imo to just do a basic reinforcement and not be sorry later, unless you are very confident about the construction of your home.

Good luck!

bkiba · 01/25/2006, 05:26 PM

go in the basement and brace up the floor. Double up on joists and maybe even add a support pole now before you put water in the tank. Trust me you will be happy later when your floor doesn't creak every time you walk around your tank.

you will be ok probably but better safer than safe

integlikewhoa · 01/25/2006, 05:26 PM

more then likly it will be ok but always check into it first.

davidcalgary29 · 01/25/2006, 05:33 PM

Thanks the replies, guys! I plan to check out the flooring as soon as I can get home (that is, get away) from work.

01/25/2006, 04:52 PM	#1
davidcalgary29 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 119	Anyone have tank weight issues? I bought a used 165g tank yesterday for an unbeatable price, and am in the process of moving it into my kitchen, which is on the ground floor of my house...but am hesitating at the thought of placing so much stress on the floor of my house. I'm sure this issue has come up before, but has anyone ever caused any structural damage to their homes by placing a similar-sized aquarium in their home? Placing this aquarium in my unfinished basement is not an option, and would like to hear some casual opinions before I either add floor supports and/or try for a smaller tank. Thanks!

01/25/2006, 05:22 PM	#2
KevinM Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Dallas Posts: 752	It really all depends on the current framing of the floor where the tank will go. Joist size, joist spacing, direction of span relative to tank, type and thickness of subfloor, and proximity of tank to load bearing members below the joists are all the things you'll need to know. Find out at least a few of those things and we can go from there. Kev __________________ "To subdue the enemy without fighting is the supreme excellence." Sun Tzu - The Art of War Current Tank Info: Custom 120g acrylic coming soon.

01/25/2006, 05:23 PM	#3
reefshadow Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Central Washington Posts: 1,786	I would recommend reinforcing the floor if you are at all handy. We purchased a couple of those mobile home jacks from the hardware store and some pressure treated 2x10's to reinforce for my 240. (but have no basement). I haven't noticed any stress cracks in the sheet rock or similar signs of damage yet (knock on wood). Also try to position the tank running across the floor joists, as many as possible. All that said, 165 gallons may not be that bad depending on how your house was constructed. The joists can be spaced 12, 16, or 24 inches, and can be constructed with 2x6's up to 2x12's. You should be able to get up under there and take a look if you have an unfinished basement. If you have alot of deflection (bounce) to your floor you should probably reinforce. What is the footprint of the tank? Do you plan on a sump now or later? I dunno. It's better imo to just do a basic reinforcement and not be sorry later, unless you are very confident about the construction of your home. Good luck! __________________ All Your Coral Are Belong To Us Current Tank Info: 30 Deep Blue shallow mixed rimless, MP10, Ecoxotic LED's, SCA 301 skimmer.

01/25/2006, 05:26 PM	#4
bkiba Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Bridgewater, NJ Posts: 1,410	go in the basement and brace up the floor. Double up on joists and maybe even add a support pole now before you put water in the tank. Trust me you will be happy later when your floor doesn't creak every time you walk around your tank. you will be ok probably but better safer than safe __________________ "...and all the fish that lay in dirtied waters dying.... have they got you hypnotized?" -Robert Plant

01/25/2006, 05:26 PM	#5
integlikewhoa Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Arcadia, CA Posts: 1,381	more then likly it will be ok but always check into it first. __________________ I think of one later. Current Tank Info: 28G JBJ Nano for sale

01/25/2006, 05:33 PM	#6
davidcalgary29 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 119	Thanks the replies, guys! I plan to check out the flooring as soon as I can get home (that is, get away) from work.