65 gal on 2nd floor question

[Abbyreefer]

I was thinking about putting my new 65 gal tank (36x18x24high) upstairs only hitch is I'm not sure if the weight will be ok or not. If I'm lucky it will hit 2 joists but quite possible it will only hit 1 as the tank will be runing same way as the joists are. Would the weight of the tank, rock (70#) sand (80#) and water plus a 20 gal sump and 10 gal refug be ok or would will I find the tank on the main floor one day ?

[lorenz0]

all depends where you want to put it and how the beams run. I have mine on the first floor (with the basement below and jdigitals tank he he) and it has supported it without a problem. just don't put it in the middle of the room, its weaker i believe.

[Aquattro]

It's fine :)

[sunce_22]

Maybe put it near a supporting wall? That's what I did with my large tanks on the 2nd floor

[fishoholic]

I had a 60g on the top floor for over a year with no problems.

[Abbyreefer]

Lorenzo The tank is running north to south along with my joists.

Aquattro - so if I'm only on 1 joist am I still ok ? WHat is usually the weight 1 joist can support in a 36" area ?

[Aquattro]

Well, it isn't just one joist, as the plywood spreads over several and distributes the weight. If you can jump up and down on one spot and not go through the floor, it's fine. The weight/sq. ft. is not really all that much. If the place is really old and shaky, you might get some wobble in the whole display, but it won't go through the floor.

[Trigger Man]

with a 65 g tank you should be fine. How old is the house? The I-joists used in newer homes would have no probs with the weight.

[Aquattro]

Realistically, the tank is what, 4sq.ft.? So at 800# at most, that's 200psf. If a person of 200# can stand on the floor in an area of 1sf and not go through the floor, the tank is fine. If not, I'm not coming to your tank warming party :)

[Marlin65]

FWIW I have a 90 plus my RO res at 45gal sump miss tank all on the top floor. You should be fine.

[new but handy]

my 180 plus my 55g sump are on the second floor of my house. no problem with yours. If you are still worried, exterior walls and the walls around your stairs are gauranteed bearing walls. Most walls in your house are not bearing. 2x10 floors are stronger than TJI's. If your tank is 36x18 you are pretty much gauranteed to hit at least 2 joists. Most joists are on 16" centers. Aquattro is right about everything, plywood spreads the weight more than you would believe. I weigh 240#(don't tell anyone) I would noy hesitate to pick up my 120# girlfriend, my 40# kid and my 90# dog. I would stand on 1 foot for about 1500#'s per square foot. no problem

[subman]

Absolutely no worries at all! How buot a jacuzzi tub on the top floor?

[Myka]

I was thinking about putting my new 65 gal tank (36x18x24high) upstairs only hitch is I'm not sure if the weight will be ok or not. If I'm lucky it will hit 2 joists but quite possible it will only hit 1 as the tank will be runing same way as the joists are. Would the weight of the tank, rock (70#) sand (80#) and water plus a 20 gal sump and 10 gal refug be ok or would will I find the tank on the main floor one day ?

Provided your house is structurally sound (not rotted, or 150 years old), your tank is too small to be an issue even if it only hits one joist.

[Abbyreefer]

The house is 18 years old and plywood is solid ( I just re did the flooring last year with 8.3 mm laminant -wish I went 12.3) I'm glad to hear it shouldn't be an issue.

I dont know about anyone else but, new but handy I'd like to see you test that theory and pick up your GF, kid and your dog all with you standing on 1 leg :)

I think my stand will start then this weekend.

Cheers everyone !!

[fishytime]

The tank wont be an issue. If you are still concerned you could put a tele-post in under the tank(assuming the basement is unfinished).