Str8linespeed
New member
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.
Determining weight question
- Thread starter Str8linespeed
- Start date
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.
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
New member
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/articles/aquarium_weight.php
mcgyvr
New member
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..
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
New member
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.
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.
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.
ReeferNoob4ever
New member
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
New member
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.. :rollface:
hkgar
Active member
Where do you store all the junk without a basement?
