Will My Floor Support A 5ft Tank?

[yabadaba]

At the moment I'm looking to buy a 5ft tank that will probably have a capacity of about 450 litres. I just want to check with you guys first whether you think that would be okay sited on a tyical floorboards on joists type floor in a downstairs room. An upright piano that was pretty weighty itself used to be in the same place without any issues, though I suspect a full 5ft tank would weigh even more than that.

I hadn't really considered this until I saw a 5ft tank for sale on Ebay with a warning stating that it is very heavy and should only be installed on a solid floor...which I assume doesn't mean your typical floorboards on joists.

 

[saltynay]

Get a structural engineer in to check you would be adding more then half a ton of weight onto your floor.

 

[chr15_8]

depends on the size of joists and where they are located.

you would be best of lifting the carpet and having a look/measure the joist and sizes

 

[yabadaba]

depends on the size of joists and where they are located.

you would be best of lifting the carpet and having a look/measure the joist and sizes

Yes, I'll do that as I'll be having a new carpet fitted so won't be any bother. I do know that the joists would be running down the length of the tank, which I guess isn't ideal, though I don't know yet how far apart they are. Hopefully it will work out that the tank straddles two of them, though I guess the floorboards will distribute some of the weight anyway.

 

[Macko1968]

I say this every time, get a proper structural survey done. Looking at your joists will not determine their load bearing capacity & there are a number of other factors that need taking in to account. If you don't get the survey done & anything happens your insurers will not cover the repairs.

 

[saltynay]

Better to bite the bullet now then pay 20 times that in the future plus if your having the floor exposed and changed anyway it won't be too much hassle.

 

[afishdude]

What are the exact dimensions of the tank?

 

[yabadaba]

Thanks guys, getting a surveyor to take a look makes perfect sense - totally understand what you are saying. A good mate of mine is an architect so no doubt he will know someone.

Haven't made up my mind yet on which tank, though this is currently my favourite, with dimensions of 151cm W x 51cm x D 70,5 cm H

http/www.aquariumsdelivered.co.uk/catalo...birch-p-86.html

If anyone wishes to comment on which actual tank to go for then that would also be much appreciated. I guess my only preference is for the 'traditional' shape, not bow fronted.

 

[minxfishy]

The tank itself is a winner, Rena make great tanks, unfortunatley they are no longer making them, so that will be end of line stock, check with aquariums delivered (who are a great company, had plenty of tanks from them) that they will cover any warranty problems, if they arise.

Other than that, I can say, that my house, is very old and frankly has the worst floorboards in the history of floorboards, uneven, wobbly etc and holds my 5ft (130g) tank with no problems, creaks occassionally, but then the whole house does. As suggested, any hesitations, get it checked out - something I should have done, but hey ho!

 

[afishdude]

Your looking at about 1200 lbs of water weight plus the weight of your tank/stand. The tank/stand should weight about 100-150lbs each so your looking at about 1450-1500lbs. I would have your floor inspected to see if it could hold 2000 lbs (907.2 kilo) to be safe.