Floor Capacity
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Equipment
Forum Description: This is the place to ask question about reef equipment.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50323
Printed Date: July 24 2026 at 3:49pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Floor Capacity
Posted By: Tanuki
Subject: Floor Capacity
Date Posted: July 22 2011 at 9:43am
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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. ------------- Defending Reefscape Champion (I Think) |
Replies:
Posted By: Tanuki
Date Posted: July 22 2011 at 11:08am
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In fact I just did the math roughly for the size of tank I have in that location now, and it is just about 220psf. Currently i have: 75 gallon tank 20 gallon Sump Stand pumps 100lbs of live rock 80 lbs of sand so roughly 1300 lbs or so? and I think the 75 gallon tank footprint is roughly 6 square feet? so maybe 217pfs now? Yeah looks like I get to spend the weekend moving things. ------------- Defending Reefscape Champion (I Think) |
Posted By: hydro phoenix
Date Posted: July 22 2011 at 6:11pm
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that is an excellent question..... that I've never thought of. ------------- recent absurdity..Unicorns have rabies |
Posted By: BobC63
Date Posted: July 22 2011 at 7:01pm
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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. ------------- - My Current Tank: 50g Starfire Cube Reef * Marine & Reef tanks since 1977 * |
Posted By: Corey Price
Date Posted: July 22 2011 at 7:39pm
Yep. |
BobC63 wrote:Posted By: Tanuki
Date Posted: July 26 2011 at 9:43am
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Is your setup on the first floor or second floor? I would like it on the second floor, I am sure the first can support though as I have no basement. Do you have a crawlspace or basement? No sir. Is your setup positioned so that the length of the tank is parallel to, or perpendicular to, your floor joists? Perpendicular How many joists total are directly under at least part of your setup? I would have to pull up the floor. I am guessing I could get it on 4 maybe 5, though based on pictures I have of the the underside of other areas of the home. How far apart are the joists spaced?  maybe a foot?How old is your home? 1 Year The red box represents the planned position. It is up against a load bearing wall, and I believe I have 10" TJI Joists.  Here is the underside of the floor that continues into that room where the tank will be.  ------------- Defending Reefscape Champion (I Think) |
Posted By: BobC63
Date Posted: July 26 2011 at 10:26am
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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.
------------- - My Current Tank: 50g Starfire Cube Reef * Marine & Reef tanks since 1977 * |
Posted By: Tanuki
Date Posted: July 26 2011 at 11:35am
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What about a 180 in your opinion?
------------- Defending Reefscape Champion (I Think) |
Posted By: BobC63
Date Posted: July 26 2011 at 11:57am
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That's a question for Corey
I wouldn't want to hazard a guess ------------- - My Current Tank: 50g Starfire Cube Reef * Marine & Reef tanks since 1977 * |
Posted By: Tanuki
Date Posted: July 26 2011 at 12:06pm
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^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. ------------- Defending Reefscape Champion (I Think) |
Posted By: Corey Price
Date Posted: July 26 2011 at 1:47pm
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. |
Posted By: Tanuki
Date Posted: July 26 2011 at 2:02pm
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^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. ------------- Defending Reefscape Champion (I Think) |
Posted By: Corey Price
Date Posted: July 26 2011 at 6:34pm
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? |
Posted By: Tanuki
Date Posted: July 27 2011 at 10:16am
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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. ------------- Defending Reefscape Champion (I Think) |
Posted By: Corey Price
Date Posted: July 27 2011 at 8:29pm
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 |
Posted By: Dion Richins
Date Posted: July 28 2011 at 12:24am
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I fall into the bliss category.
------------- http://www.customaquariumfurniture.com" rel="nofollow - Bad "censored" Cabinets Best quality in the valley! He is one sexy bald guy, even with out a finger!(MAC) |
Posted By: Tanuki
Date Posted: August 01 2011 at 2:17pm
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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 :)
------------- Defending Reefscape Champion (I Think) |