2nd floor aquarium

[Dragonyc]

I want to put a 75 gallon reef setup on the second floor of my house it's a detached house anyone know any structural engineers that does this kinda thing and how much they charge?

 

[albano]

Any idea of how old the house is?...

 

[Dragonyc]

50 years old

 

[theMeat]

Structural engineers, architects, or general contractors can help you calculate the load. You could probably find a calculator online. Most residential homes are built to a 40 lb per sq ft spec. And most residential homes could support a piano, water bed and whatever else you want to put. For that tank i'd guess around 800 lbs. The longer the span in between walls underneath, and the closer to the middle of a given span will reduce the amount of weight you can put. With that weight, 800lbs, would say you can put it anywhere, as long as the span underneath isn't crazy long, like over 12-16 feet. With an aquarium it's not only a matter of can it support the weight, but how rigid it is. You don't want the water sloshing around when you walk past. Putting the tank up against the wall would be your best bet, if there's a wall directly below it even better.

 

[Dragonyc]

I have a eight foot long wood thing under the tank that weighs 100 pounds that serves the purpose of spreading the load to more joists my main worry is if the first floor wall and joists can handle it it's against a wall

 

[theMeat]

I have a eight foot long wood thing under the tank that weighs 100 pounds that serves the purpose of spreading the load to more joists my main worry is if the first floor wall and joists can handle it it's against a wall

not a problem, just check the bouncing thing with a 5 gallon bucket of water or something.

 

[Dragonyc]

Thanks guys

 

[lanacane214]

Just put it up 75g is not that heavy floor joist are usually every 16" make sure plywood underneath is strong and at least 3/4 thick