Tank Weight Upstairs

[AdAndrews]

Hi guys, I currently have a 125litre tank upstairs, its 80cm long, so, can only span 2 of the joists, although it is on both and as close as poss to a supporting wall, heres what ive calculated for the weight so far:

tank and cabinet and external filter weight: 20kg
water: 115kg(displaced)
sand and rocks:15kg

so, thats a total of approx 150kg on 2 joists, each taking 75kg, but, can i add more weight?

Im thinking about adding some live rock, i would need about 15kg, so would be adding another: 15kg

should i worry?


The house is approx 80-90yrs old, joists are *i think* 2"x4"-just a guess really...

 

[Realtree]

Hi guys, I currently have a 125litre tank upstairs, its 80cm long, so, can only span 2 of the joists, although it is on both and as close as poss to a supporting wall, heres what ive calculated for the weight so far:

tank and cabinet and external filter weight: 20kg
water: 115kg(displaced)
sand and rocks:15kg

so, thats a total of approx 150kg on 2 joists, each taking 75kg, but, can i add more weight?

Im thinking about adding some live rock, i would need about 15kg, so would be adding another: 15kg

should i worry?


The house is approx 80-90yrs old, joists are *i think* 2"x4"-just a guess really...

imo you should have no problem
your overall weight would be similar to two adults lying down (therefore distributing the weight)
So unless you have rotten joists shouldn't pose a problem

 

[AdAndrews]

Hi guys, I currently have a 125litre tank upstairs, its 80cm long, so, can only span 2 of the joists, although it is on both and as close as poss to a supporting wall, heres what ive calculated for the weight so far:

tank and cabinet and external filter weight: 20kg
water: 115kg(displaced)
sand and rocks:15kg

so, thats a total of approx 150kg on 2 joists, each taking 75kg, but, can i add more weight?

Im thinking about adding some live rock, i would need about 15kg, so would be adding another: 15kg

should i worry?


The house is approx 80-90yrs old, joists are *i think* 2"x4"-just a guess really...

imo you should have no problem
your overall weight would be similar to two adults lying down (therefore distributing the weight)
So unless you have rotten joists shouldn't pose a problem

thats what i thought

does anyone else have an opinion?
thanks

 

[Truck]

you should be fine mate, when my rio was set up for marine I kept a 25 KG bag of playsand in the cabinet with no problems.

 

[Macko1968]

This comes up regularly &, no offence to the previous posters, but not even the best structural engineer in the world can make an assesment without an examination of your floor. You have the advantage of being able to examine your property & cannot make an informed decision so I would not accept the advce of anyone that hasn't even had that advantage. Relating the weight of an item to the weight of an adult is meaningless as there is a massive difference between maximum load bearing weight & maximum CONTINUOS load bearing weight.

What you have to consider is what would happen if the floor failed & someone happened to be directly under the tank in the downstairs room, you would be looking at very serious injury at best. If you're willing to run that risk to save a bit of money on a structural assesment go right ahead but remember that your home insurers will more than likley decline any claim for loss or personal injury. For me, the piece of mind is more than worth the outlay.

 

[AdAndrews]

This comes up regularly &, no offence to the previous posters, but not even the best structural engineer in the world can make an assesment without an examination of your floor. You have the advantage of being able to examine your property & cannot make an informed decision so I would not accept the advce of anyone that hasn't even had that advantage. Relating the weight of an item to the weight of an adult is meaningless as there is a massive difference between maximum load bearing weight & maximum CONTINUOS load bearing weight.

What you have to consider is what would happen if the floor failed & someone happened to be directly under the tank in the downstairs room, you would be looking at very serious injury at best. If you're willing to run that risk to save a bit of money on a structural assesment go right ahead but remember that your home insurers will more than likley decline any claim for loss or personal injury. For me, the piece of mind is more than worth the outlay.

ok, i understand, thanks

 

[doresy]

If your house cannot support a 125 lt set up then it would probably fall down anyway!

I had a 125lt a 165lt and a 34lt all in one room for over a year and I live in a timber framed house.,

 

[kaivalagi]

I asked a similar question previously as I live in a first floor flat and am preparing for a tank upgrade, this link was given to me which is the best info on the subject I've seen

Regardless of what you think will or wont work this is a must read IMHO: http/www.african-c...m/Structure.htm

Cheers

 

[AdAndrews]

Thanks guys, im sure it will be fine