180 gallon 2nd floor advice

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aro-man

Candiru
MFK Member
May 14, 2005
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.....thats a good question....
Hey guys, any of you have a 180 gallon acrylic on the second floor of your house? Have a nice section on the second floor where a bigger tank would look great (plus its in my room) and it feels like a shame leaving the tank in storage. Theres about that many gallons in the spot i want the tank now, but its made up of a bunch of smaller tanks spread over about 24sqft. The 180 would be about the same weight but spread over half that area. Its ok now, but am not to sure about the weight being more concentrated. Also, the tank will be directly above a w10x45lb steel H-beam support. Any ideas?
 
Great article !!
 
Gotta love that article by Kevin Bauman. Gives you lots of information, but really doesn't answer your questions. I have a 180 gallon in our bedroom, although it is not on the second floor it is on a wood framed floor above a basement. Being above a "I" beam I would imagine that you are gonna be fine, but consulting an engineer would be your best bet. The following is a link to my thread which may help; http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=68277
 
i just set up a 180 gallon freshwater tank , i had the floor reinforced by somebody who knows what he was doing , supported in the basement so far i have no problems , my tank is on the first floor the supports run in the basement , i would reccomend getting it done its a LOT of weight you are talking !!
 
i dunno how houses are built in america but ive got a 164 gallon tank. the first floor is actually raised of the ground,timber and built just as strong as the top floor. my 164 gallob tank is on that.
 
I have a 90,65, and 47...ine one room above a basement of a place built in the 40's so i think you should be ok
 
As long as the tank is not running parallel to the floor joists you will be fine. If there is a structural I beam under it as well, all it is going to do is add more rigidity to the beam as it takes the load. If there are poles under it or a wall supporting it from underneath (load bearing wall) you will no doubt be in good shape.
 
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