floor strength

[Tskstorm]

I recently bought a very large fish tank and short of hiring an engineer to come look at the house I have no idea how to tell if the floor can hold it. Thoughts?

 

[BIG-G]

How large is the tank? If there is any doubt then I would brace it. Is it first floor? can you get under it?

 

[Tskstorm]

Its 180 gallons yes I can get under it but have very little carpentry skills its on the first floor above a basement

 

[tjfish]

when i had my 150 i braced the floor just to be on the safe side although i dont think it was actually necessary in my case, but the house was old and i didnt want to take a chance lol.

 

[Tskstorm]

How did you brace the floor?

 

[fishwhisperer]

either L brackets or from the floor to cieling under the tank

 

[Nick1223]

With a 180 you can just make sure your tank is running perpendicular to the floor joist. You should be fine.

 

[Arowana718]

i have a 120g w/ metal stand.. oh mean,, the 4 corners are putting so much pressure on the floor.. i could see it bend.. if u have wood cabinet, it will spread the pressure evenly at least.. it shouldnt be a problem.

 

[Tskstorm]

What are L brackets? I do have a wooden stand also tank will be bare bottom

 

[Bderick67]

First thing the tank has to be place perpendicular to the floor joists

What is the span of the floor joists?
What is the center to center spacing of the floor joists?
What is the construction of the floor joists?