anyone an architech or a construction worker

partychefreefer

New member
WIll be moving soon. I am looking to place a reef tank 2nd floor of the house. Anyone have any idea the weight the 2ng floor of single home can handle. IF so let me know. Currently looking to have at 36 length 30 width, and 20 height. I hope that this is not to big and too heavy.

any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!
 
Definitely worth hiring an engineer :) Nobody's going to be able to tell you anything useful without seeing the blueprints or inspecting the home.
 
Well, this should get you started:
36x30x20 = 93.5 gallons
Saltwater @1.025 = ~8.5 lb per gal. = 794.75lb
Add liverock, livesand, etc. (minus displacement) = 900-1,000 lb.
This does not include the sump, of course (not mentioned)

After stand/canopy, sump, equipment, etc. I'd say you are approaching 1,500 lb.

I'm not sure about the load capacity of modern floor joists (especially the laminant I-beams that are used now days)
but I do know that, at the very least, you'll want to:
1) position tank/stand immediately adjacent a load-bearing wall.
2) position tank/stand so that they are stradling three full floor joists (they are spaced 16" on center)
3) construct a "pad" to place under stand to distribute weight over entire 36x30 area
4) consider plumbing sump elsewhere if at all possible (to lessen weight on same foot-print as display tank)

If you were planning a longer/narrower tank, then I know you'd be alright, but that deep of a tank places alot of weight upon only 3 beams....that's what concerns me.

I know this doesn't directly answer your question, but it should give you a head start
:)
 
Normally I won't suggest you put tank on 2nd floor, especially here is California (w/ earthquake)...., except when you design the house, you already consider the loading of tank.
 
Bolt a 2x4 into the load bearing studs into the wall, use at least 5/16 inch lag screws. Lay the tank onto this stud.. Check my gallery for pics.
 
You will have to strengthen the joists. I would have to look at it personally to give you any specific advice.

FYI you will need to demo the drywall on the ceiling of the first floor area where you re-inforce the joists. As far as system placement, I would highly recomend that you pick a spot that is against one of the exterior walls.
 
thanks

thanks

Just want to say thank you for those who replied. All the info is greatly appreciated. I will continue to look more into it once I move in. So, I hope to hear from you guys again.
Thank you again
hudz
 
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