Question on floor reinforcement

[garvin90]

Id like to know at what gallonage should I start to think about reinforcing my concrete floor? I already have several tank dimensions in mind however they range in size from 325-540 gallons. Dimension wise It wil be a "cube" type with sizes ranging in 72x60x29 to 72x36x29. Also with these larger tank volumes, would anybody recommend going with a metal frame stand instead of wood?

 

[nyvp]

i'm on a slab with tile on top no problem. 120x36x30 560g tank with a 240g sump underneath w/steel frame. I like steel because you have so much more room and str.

 

[garvin90]

That is a good bit of weight and youve had no indications of the tile threatening to crack either?

When I go to welding shops to see who can build my stand, what are some questions that I should think about asking them to make sure they are qualified for this type of frame building? Ive heard of people who asked the wrong questions and the stand came out not being exactly flat.

 

[Carman34L]

Make sure they have welding table that is larger than the stand. And ensure that it is a solid one peice table. Alot of "hodge-podge" welding shops will make their own tables and they will not be level. Also dont ever build the stand to much unless you have steel yard in your back yard. Steel is expensive and it goes up substatially with the weight of the steel. What I did with my stand is calculated the total weight of the tank, water, rock, canopy, and added 500lbs. For my stand 1.5"- 3/16" square tube is sufficient to hold with the bracing I will be building in the stand. I would see if you can find an engineer do the calculations and that way you know what your doing.

 

[Carman34L]

oh and if you cant find an engineer PM me the specs of what your building and I can figure it out for you.

 

[Carman34L]

i just noticed I posted this in the wrong thread. OOps.

 

[nyvp]

yupe not a problem at all .