A question about volume weight and floors

[Bderick67]

That’s funny! I work with guys like you but here on MFK your personality is funny.

For Example: Not all water is wet (ice) but when talking about mopping floors it's safe to assume we are talking about using water in the liquid form...........

I think the OP is talking about his "concrete" basement floor or he would of said my "dirt" floor

Concrete floors buckle? As this is the OP's worry. My basement floor is a wood framed sub floor which will not support a 400g tank and could buckle. Just stating fact and my comment was directed at a generalized statement that is incorrect.

 

[darkman1]

not all concrete floor can take the weight of large tanks it depends in the depth of concrete and if it is re-enforced or not and the strength of the concrete when it was constructed (k/newtons) if it was just infilled after the footings were done then it will not be of a sutable strength mix, it might be worth making a small test hole to see depth and construction and consult a builder if unsure. helpful advice only and would hate to see it all subside after a while. better to be safe than sorry.

 

[12 Volt Man]

A buddy of mine said that a floor without defects can hold a full size car without no problems. He builds homes.

it probably can depending on the size/weight of car.

but for how long? Aquariums are usually staying put for 15+ years.

even tanks 150g and up can cause issues over years.

its happened to members on this board. Floor sag from a 150g over a two year period if I recall.

don't assume.

its best to get a structural engineer to assess the structure to be safe.

or, put it in the basement. thats the best spot.

for two reasons:

1. weight

2. if a flood happened, you only sustain damage on the basement floor. if it happens on a upper floor, heaven help you. water works its way down and damages things below

 

[Savoie83]

I have a 1" foam with a plywood over the concrete as insulation and i have 12mm laminate floor on it. I want to buy a 75gallon. Is this to heavy for the foam?? I have think to install ceramic tile under the stand if it can help.

 

[pacu mom]

not all concrete floor can take the weight of large tanks it depends in the depth of concrete and if it is re-enforced or not and the strength of the concrete when it was constructed (k/newtons) if it was just infilled after the footings were done then it will not be of a sutable strength mix, it might be worth making a small test hole to see depth and construction and consult a builder if unsure. helpful advice only and would hate to see it all subside after a while. better to be safe than sorry.

I agree. The slab for our new fish room was poured over the old garage cement slab. The area directly under the tank was reinforced. We had an engineer draw up our plans.

 

[Savoie83]

Anyone for my question??

 

[Bderick67]

Best to start your own thread. What kind of foam?

 

[Egon]

Anyone for my question??

That foam might make it tippy? I use building styrofoam between my tank and stand and it doesn't compress to much but I think if I put the foam between the floor and the stand it could rock a bit making it unstable.

 

[jwalkerafc7]

That foam might make it tippy? I use building styrofoam between my tank and stand and it doesn't compress to much but I think if I put the foam between the floor and the stand it could rock a bit making it unstable.

+1.. i dont think id put that under my tank. that stuff is pretty hard and even though there is alot of weight on it, it seems like it would be a risk i wouldnt be willing to take, imo

 

[Macomber]

I have a 1" foam with a plywood over the concrete as insulation and i have 12mm laminate floor on it. I want to buy a 75gallon. Is this to heavy for the foam?? I have think to install ceramic tile under the stand if it can help.

I would say that depends on the thickness of your plywood and the type of stand your planning to use. 1/4" ply with an old fashion iron stand might not hold up so well, 3/4" with a flat bottom pine stand - I think you'd be ok.