Tank size - longer vs. wider

[PYRU]

I'd go wider for more floor space. You have more room to scape. I think you would enjoy it more.

 

[skjl47]

from the structural prints is that the floors weight bearing capacity is approx. 400kg/m2, . at the very minimum (I prefer to work a little under standard to be safe), according to the types used in UAE. (buildings are very solid here and have deep pile foundations as the sand isn't the easiest to build on).

Hello; A couple more comments even tho I sorta get that you have already made up your mind. Not clear that either of these items actually address the load bearing capacity of an upper floor.
First is the foundation for the entire building is a whole different thing from the floor capacity of individual upper floors.
Second is that while 400kg/m2 sounds like a lot let me translate to pounds per sq ft.
400kg / m2 x 2.2 pd /1kg x 1m2 / 1549.98 in2 x 144 in2 / 1 ft2 = 12,6720 pd / 1549.98 ft2 = 81.75 pd /ft2.

81.75 pounds per square foot is more than a more common floor on joists if memory serves. Around double I think. A better chance.
The bigger tank is 6ft x 2ft = 12 ft2 footprint which is about 170 pounds per square foot. I get that a static load can be spread out and be supported well beyond it's footprint.
You have a much better chance of success than I would on my floor with 16in on center floor joists.

Good luck

 

[mattybecks]

This sort of question or concern comes up from time to time. Beyond placing a tank on a concrete slab designed for a building foundation, I would never trust my personal opinion on placing 2,000+ lbs of dead weight on any floor. The fact is no one can really know.

An engineer or architect that has access to the floor plans can provide a proper response definitively. Perhaps the same person could do so without the plans. Otherwise, it's just guessing. Guessing in construction and determining dead load bearing capacity is a no-no. I'd reach out to building management or local construction engineers for a professional opinion.

This takes very little time. My father (an architect) was able to advise me in just a few minutes in a phone call over a similar question.

Thanks. I tried contacting the developers, but no luck thus far. Ill speak to building management today and see if something comes from it.

 

[mattybecks]

Id go with the 6 footer also I would check with a professional about your floor situation both tanks when setup will be very heavy. I broke a 20 gallon years ago in an upstairs building and I couldn't believe how mich water was on the floor

If the tank happens to break in my little apt, then I guess Ill resign myself to living in an indoor pond haha.

 

[mattybecks]

Hello; A couple more comments even tho I sorta get that you have already made up your mind. Not clear that either of these items actually address the load bearing capacity of an upper floor.
First is the foundation for the entire building is a whole different thing from the floor capacity of individual upper floors.
Second is that while 400kg/m2 sounds like a lot let me translate to pounds per sq ft.
400kg / m2 x 2.2 pd /1kg x 1m2 / 1549.98 in2 x 144 in2 / 1 ft2 = 12,6720 pd / 1549.98 ft2 = 81.75 pd /ft2.

81.75 pounds per square foot is more than a more common floor on joists if memory serves. Around double I think. A better chance.
The bigger tank is 6ft x 2ft = 12 ft2 footprint which is about 170 pounds per square foot. I get that a static load can be spread out and be supported well beyond it's footprint.
You have a much better chance of success than I would on my floor with 16in on center floor joists.

Good luck

This is helpful, thank you.

 

[Ogertron3000]

If the tank happens to break in my little apt, then I guess Ill resign myself to living in an indoor pond haha.

I think the concern is if the tank breaks the people who live in the apartment below you get used to living in an indoor pond!
I wonder if the buildings managers can give you the details of the architects or engineer to give you more info.
Good luck.

 

[twentyleagues]

Im pretty sure if you tell managment that you are planning a tank big enough to break, or go through the floor, they will tell you its not going in the apartment.