Floor Capacity

Is there a good way to know how much weight my floor can support?  I have looked and looked and looked online, but I can't find a really consistent method for measuring this?

From what I have read, you need to find your max weight per square foot. 

I am assuming I need roughly 225-250lbs per square foot. 

Does anyone know what the max loads are or a good way to find out?

I did email my builder, but they might not know, or may take a month to get back to me. 

that is an excellent question..... that I've never thought of.

BobC63 wrote: Is your setup on the first floor or second floor? Do you have a crawlspace or basement? Is your setup positioned so that the length of the tank is parallel to, or perpendicular to, your floor joists? How many joists total are directly under at least part of your setup? How far apart are the joists spaced? How old is your home? All of these factors may play into how much weight your floor can support.

Yep.

Corey can give you a more professional opinion, but based on my experiences you should have no problems with a 75 setup located as shown on your diagram.

That's a question for Corey

Tanuki wrote: ^yeah, when I calculated the weight/ square foot it comes out about the same as the 75 because it is a bigger footprint.  I am also thinking that because the 180 is acrylic, and the stand is mostly acrylic and has a wet/dry filter etc, it may be around 2200lbs.

Somewhat similar loads aren't typical, but it can work out that way.

It's not really about the lbs/sq. ft, sorry. Framing for new homes is really being skimped upon and builders are trying to get away with the bare minimum or even less, believe it or not. Residential codes require that the floor structure is designed for a uniform load of 40 psf for inhabitants and furniture, so you can see that you already exceed the design load, and so loads in psf are now only meaningful to the structural engineer.

It's more about the joists, the span of the joists, continuity of the joists, and what the joists are already supporting. I can't comment on what the joists will or won't support since I don't know enough about them. A 75 gallon tank doesn't stand out as being much of an issue. I can't comment on the 180 without more information, and without tearing into your ceilings, you won't be able to provide that either. You have a choice: commit to finding out if your floor structure is adequate thru a structural engineer, or be ignorant and blissful. Many choose the latter route.

Edited by Corey Price - July 26 2011 at 1:47pm

Tanuki wrote: ^yeah, I guess I am not scared of it supporting for a year or two, but the issue is will it fall through in 5-10 or cause other issues etc.I will report back when I hear from the builder. Maybe that will help too.

If your tank leaks over time, you could have an issue. Otherwise, if it didn't fall through when you set it up, it's doubtful that it will.
What are you going to ask the home builder?

Tanuki wrote: I was going to see if they had any idea what kind of load they built the floor for.  I know my roof can support 15 feet of snow :)  I just thought they may have some insight on how they did the job and if they had any extra insight they could add to the discussion.

Again, you can either choose to find out for sure, or you can take a chance on that 180 gallon setup. Ignorance is bliss, and there are many experienced aquarists who choose to take a chance. Up to you, but I wouldn't sweat it over the 75 gallon tank too much. You're welcome to send me a private message if you want to find out on the 180, but it may not be easy.

Corey

Finally got a hold of the structural engineer for our home to confirm my capacities etc.  He confirmed I am nowhere near my capacity and things should be smooth :)