second floor tanks

[fresno tang]

Just out of curiosity...I was wondering what is the largest tank anyone has put up stairs, I've kept a 135 up stairs but it didn't have pumps, sumps, 200lbs live rock and such. The tank was 72" and I was set up perpendicular with the trusses. I'm moving to a town house where the first floor is the garage and you live on the second floor. Has any one had any disasters and does any one think this is to much weight for wood truss construction. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
thanks:uzi: :strooper:

 

[imcosmokramer]

i have a 75g with a 30g sump, 100lbs of lr
I think it's about 800lbs

 

[fresno tang]

I calculated water, live sand, live rock, tank and stand at ruffly 1,700lbs. and water was at 8, i think it's 8.6lbs per gallon though...the tank is six ft. long

 

[Pani16]

is the second floor tiled or carpet ....rememeber if u get a leak bombs away and wood will get rotted

 

[Reefbox]

I have also wondered if anybody ever put a tank through the floor.

 

[fresno tang]

carpet

 

[wab]

Unless your tank is in the basement it is on the second floor and one up is the 3rd floor. The building materials for the wooden floors are the same on each floor. The issue would be the leaks if you dont also live below the tank. My last point is my lfs has a 700,300,2/200 and at least 40 20-30 gal tanks and his building wasnt espescially for a fish store.imo no prob go for it

 

[jrod11]

i kept a 125 with a big sump in a 2nd story apt. if you can, get blueprints of the house/apt and see if you can find the support beams. then put the tank right next to the support beams

 

[fresno tang]

it would have to go up against the exterior wall

 

[TellyFish]

I have never actually seen or heard of a case where a tank just up and fell through the floor. With an "average" situation, I don't think this is even possible. I have about 140 gallons w/ a ton of rock on the second floor of an old building with wood floors.

That being said, any number of horrible things could happen. A leg of your stand could punch through the floor, a leak could destroy your downstairs neighbors property, you could warp the flooring, etc... When in doubt, have a professional look it over.

Also- renter's insurance will not usually cover any one else's property if you do live in an apartment. If you own both floors, then screw it! Bigger tank!

 

[fresno tang]

i got you on the insurance and the downstairs is my garage.

 

[fresno tang]

I talked to a general contractor who specializes in wood framed structures he said "no problem".......sweet!!!!

 

[sailoracu2]

You could use steel floor supports in your garage to add extra straight to the second floor.
You would loose parking space in your garage.