Question about tank weight

[cichlidfish]

I am planning on getting a 180g in the fall, and want to make sure it is even possible in my home first. I live in a town house, and this would be in my living room and above my basement. I know that tank may weigh over 2000lbs, and I don't want any potential disasters. I took some pics from my basement to show the structure and supports incase it will help.

 

[12 Volt Man]

the easiest thing to do is to put it in the basement if you can. thats where I put my 165g in my townhouse.

supporting the floor is one thing. but if you ever bust a seam you have 180g of water damage on the main floor that tends to work its way down..

at least in the basement water damage is contained, and you don't have to worry about reinforcing the floor.

if the tank must go on the main floor, perhaps some other MFKers could help with how to reinforce it.

good luck and enjoy your new tank.

 

[cichlidfish]

Thanks Mr. 12 volts! I did think about the basement, but have been battling mold down there. The walls were coated in mold killing paint and have a dehumidifier running 24/7. Plus wanted something of a "show" tank. Right now I have a 72g in the room and in another room on the same floor I have a 55g. Would a 125g be a better option? I need something that would be 6'.

 

[jsodwi]

Double up the beams where the tank will sit. Try to put the tank on an outside wall where the beams are sitting on the foundation. That will be the strongest point. If you are really worried, after you double up the beams, go get a couple adjustable lally columns and set those under the tank. It wont go anywhere

 

[skjl47]

Hello; Looks like you have engineered floor trusses being supported by studwalls. Perhaps 2x8 ? This can, and probably should be, reinforced. Not sure how you plan to place the tank, but perpendicular to the floor joists will spread the weight over more joists.

I saw a sizeable hole in some of the floor joists with wires running thru. I know that holes of some size are allowed in joists by most codes, but they do take away some of the strength.

On tank leaks, I know from experience that it is a mess when one dumps the contents. I had 55 gallon leak onto a living room floor while away for a few days. The water will find a way out eventually, you may as well plan on that.

In my current place I have three tanks on the living level. I removed the carpet from an area for my tanks and replaced it with vinyl tiles (I put a line of silicone around the edges of the tiles to help seal them). I made a border around the tank area of ½ inch plastic quarter round adhered with clear silicone. I drilled a hole in a corner of the area into thebasement. My hope is that when a large leak happens, the water will be contained in the tank area and will drain into the basement. This may not prevent all damage, but may reduce it somewhat.

Dont know how i managed to get so many different fonts and sizes, but have not been able to fix it.