My "Tanked" Tank
- Thread starter anicemess
- Start date
Cubbies
Active member
Yea I was thinking. I would definetely get hold of seller and tell them whats up.
lunacris
Active member
Even spread out that's alot of weight. Gotta play it safe no sense doing all that work then breaking the floor. And making more bills and remodling. Always best to do it right first time if u can. Imo I wouldn't even rethink it with combine weight of rock sand water sump and everything else.
It is probably ok, but think of the cost if its not? I would brace it.
I have a 180 gallon to trade and some cash - think about it.
jcarlilesiu
Active member
The issue of structural integrity is quite important with a tank this large. Not to get off on a tangent, but most people forget that buildings are designed for and have specific limits. Only when porches come crashing down killing people do people realize that buildings are engineered for specific loads.
Lets do some quick math based on what you have said so far.
Tanks dry 600 pounds
Stand dry 300 pounds
500 gallons of water @ roughly 8 pounds per gallon is 4000 pounds
Equipment 250 pounds
So far thats 5,150 pounds
Just with this round number, you are looking at a tank that weighs more than
Would you park a ford F150 in your living room and not be concerned about the structure?
Its different when you consider it like that.
Also, consider that simply "reinforcing" the existing structure isn't always the right action. The load of the fish tank needs to transfer to the earth through various framing and structural systems in your home. The load will transfer like this.
Subfloor -> Floor joist -> Beam -> Column -> Footing
Along all of those paths of travel, the load has to be supported within the design limits of each component.
Certain efforts can be made to eliminate some of the considerations from the list. Putting the tank next to a foundation wall or on a concrete basement floor slab are some of the often used ideas for minimizing overloading any one element.
Long story kinda short. Yes, you need to consider structure. Most definitely.
Lets do some quick math based on what you have said so far.
Tanks dry 600 pounds
Stand dry 300 pounds
500 gallons of water @ roughly 8 pounds per gallon is 4000 pounds
Equipment 250 pounds
So far thats 5,150 pounds
Just with this round number, you are looking at a tank that weighs more than
Would you park a ford F150 in your living room and not be concerned about the structure?
Its different when you consider it like that.
Also, consider that simply "reinforcing" the existing structure isn't always the right action. The load of the fish tank needs to transfer to the earth through various framing and structural systems in your home. The load will transfer like this.
Subfloor -> Floor joist -> Beam -> Column -> Footing
Along all of those paths of travel, the load has to be supported within the design limits of each component.
Certain efforts can be made to eliminate some of the considerations from the list. Putting the tank next to a foundation wall or on a concrete basement floor slab are some of the often used ideas for minimizing overloading any one element.
Long story kinda short. Yes, you need to consider structure. Most definitely.
EricTheRed
No, I'm not a communist..
Wow, that paints a very vivid description.
jcarlilesiu
Active member
Point is, don't under estimate the weight limits of your homes design.
No home is designed to carry a car on a framed structure.
No home is designed to carry a car on a framed structure.
DB9181
New member
Alright just read through all 75 posts and man this is going to be an awesome tank! However, much planning needs to be done to make sure that it doesn't add in disaster. Reinforcement is a must... regardless of having to repair the floor, etc think about all the livestock that will be dying on the floor....not to mention 500 GALLONS flowing through your house. Ive spilling a 5gal bucket before....can't imagine 500gal - plus its saltwater....that will destroy ANYTHING that it hits - aka you'd be gutting out most of your house.
It sounds like the fork-lift is the best/safest method ... or pay movers to do it and the liability gets transferred to them.
Definitely following along
It sounds like the fork-lift is the best/safest method ... or pay movers to do it and the liability gets transferred to them.
Definitely following along
Has he seen the floor layout you have?
I would want to see more than just sister joists
jcarlilesiu
Active member
Ask the contractor to issue a warranty for 1 year on the reinforcing he does in writing and make sure he is insured.
I suggest you get a structural engineer to look at the project and come up with a design.
Contractors like to play professional a bit more than they should. Simply throwing some more joists under there may not address other structural concerns.
I suggest you get a structural engineer to look at the project and come up with a design.
Contractors like to play professional a bit more than they should. Simply throwing some more joists under there may not address other structural concerns.