i'm a litte worried
- Thread starter reefman
- Start date
If I were you, this is what I'd do.
1. Get a 4x6, or two 2x6s side by side and try and get it positioned directly under where the sag is and set it so that it's touching the joists, but not lifting them. (black)
2. If it's possible, drain the tank and set-up something temporary for your fish. Leave the tank and stand where it is.
3. Position 2 more 2x6s next to the existing joists at least the full length of your tank, but don't nail them in. (green)
4. Use the lally columns (blue) to SLOWLY lift the joists until the sag is gone.
5. Nail the two 2x6s to the existing floor joists.
6. Measure/cut two 4x4s a bit longer (1/4") than the distance from the floor to the 4x6, and force them more directly under the tank on the 4x6.
(Or set the lally columns closer to the tank if you're going to leave them)
7. Refill the tank, and double check everything before you add the fish.
what this does is creates a new support beam for that section of the floor and doubles the support power of the existing joists.
1. Get a 4x6, or two 2x6s side by side and try and get it positioned directly under where the sag is and set it so that it's touching the joists, but not lifting them. (black)
2. If it's possible, drain the tank and set-up something temporary for your fish. Leave the tank and stand where it is.
3. Position 2 more 2x6s next to the existing joists at least the full length of your tank, but don't nail them in. (green)
4. Use the lally columns (blue) to SLOWLY lift the joists until the sag is gone.
5. Nail the two 2x6s to the existing floor joists.
6. Measure/cut two 4x4s a bit longer (1/4") than the distance from the floor to the 4x6, and force them more directly under the tank on the 4x6.
(Or set the lally columns closer to the tank if you're going to leave them)
7. Refill the tank, and double check everything before you add the fish.
what this does is creates a new support beam for that section of the floor and doubles the support power of the existing joists.
yea mate you have your tank running the wrong way =\. Might be able to beef it up with some jack posts buts thats more that one or two, have to drain the tank completely then do it.
Well, one crucial fact none of us have thought to ask is: How much is it sagging?
If emptying the tank can bring it back to almost level, I think it'll be a fairly easy fix. All you really need to do is add support to the two beams carrying the weight of the tank. Adding either 2-3 (preferably 3) lally columns or 4x4's per beam will give you plenty of support and then adding a few cross pieces, like your yellow 2x6's in your picture put in at 24" on center should prevent any deflection. If it makes you more comfortable do the right side of the drawing the way you have it but I don't think it'll be necessary. If emptying the tank doesn't bring it to almost level, I would do a temporary carrier beam setup like in Larrys' design with adjustable jacks or lallys to raise it up to level and than go with my support idea.
If emptying the tank can bring it back to almost level, I think it'll be a fairly easy fix. All you really need to do is add support to the two beams carrying the weight of the tank. Adding either 2-3 (preferably 3) lally columns or 4x4's per beam will give you plenty of support and then adding a few cross pieces, like your yellow 2x6's in your picture put in at 24" on center should prevent any deflection. If it makes you more comfortable do the right side of the drawing the way you have it but I don't think it'll be necessary. If emptying the tank doesn't bring it to almost level, I would do a temporary carrier beam setup like in Larrys' design with adjustable jacks or lallys to raise it up to level and than go with my support idea.
cool i was gonna start over with all small fish in a week or so so i can drain it and beef up the floor i'll get some pics tonight
