tank size and floor strength

freeride7

freeride7

Member
What is the heaviest tanks you guys are putting on a floor with joists ( ie. not the basement or concrete). I have my 50 on my second floor and I want to upgrade my tank size.
I suppose I could go into my books and figure out the dead load bearing capacity...but....too lazy.
Anyone?
 
K

kistheeze

Guest
So you're too lazy - you just want us to do it for you?

What you would need to figure out first is where you're planning on putting the tank, do the floor joists go perpendicular or parallel to the tank?
 
audisteve

audisteve

Member
{Keep in mind this is my opinion and in no way am I giving you concrete figures there are too many variables}
Ok, Figure that one cubic foot of Saltwater weights 64.1 pounds. A standard 50 gallon tank measures 36x18x18 that equals 6.75 square feet at 64.1 lbs per unit which would equal roughly 432 lbs. Now take that weight and distribute it across a base the for all purposes is equal...say 36x18=54 square feet. That would mean that there is about 8 pounds per square foot.
Now please do your own calculations and don't take my answer as an absolute...I didn't do very well in math:notsure: it was always the variables that got me. Please consult many more people and if your really upgrading then always contact a contractor that way if something goes wrong some one else is liable for 20,000.00 dollars worth of repairs.
 
freeride7

freeride7

Member
yah I will do the calcs and share the information. I was just wondering in general what larger tank sizes are sitting on joists.
I will calculate based on the weight being distributed perpendicular across the joists.
 
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