Tank placement concern

[jenjen2008]

Well...It's almost time for the yearly upgrade on my reef tank! :) As usual my husband and I agree on a certain size (this time a 30g) and when we go to the LFS we always look at tanks double or triple the size that we started for. (I am definately NOT complaining!!!)

My concern is this tank will be going on the 2nd floor of a townhouse and I am worried about the weight. I know with the weight of water and LR alone is about 10# a gallon. The tank will be going on an exterior wall. Should I be worried? Any ideas on what is the safest max size that I could get? I am thinking no more that 50-60 gallons or is that still too much?

Thanks in advance for the help! Jen

[ncompany]

I have a 55 on the first floor over my basement in my town house. Thinking of a 150

[kcress]

You need to make sure that it would be oriented across the floor joists not with them! Two walls will be wrong and two will be correct.

You are in So Cal so I would not be exceeding 55g on the second floor.

A 55g will weigh:
55 x 8.3 = 456
tank = 80
sand = 50
rock = 50
displaced water = -50
stand = 40
stuff = 20

646 lbs

So you don't want to go much above that up there.

[jenjen2008]

Thanks for your help. I have photos of our place during construction so I will look at them to see where the floor joists are at and the best place for the new tank.

Kcress- Just curious why does So Cal location make a difference?

[irishspy]

I am thinking no more that 50-60 gallons or is that still too much?

Thanks in advance for the help! Jen

I think that size should be fine, unless the building is very old. If you know which way the floor beams run, then place the tank across the beams to distribute the weight better. Also be sure to use a level to check the floor. :idea:

Edit: I missed that you're a fellow Californian. Remember, the Earth tends to move around here. :) Even slight shifting, settling, or shaking could affect the angle of the floor.

[BToast]

I'm in Orange County, living in an upstairs apartment. My tank is a 55 reef with a heavy stand. I placed it in a corner and have noticed after 13 months I'm a quarter inch low on the right side. I have consulted the owner of the building for some piece of mind. The tank seems to have settled and is safe. I agree with the advice above, check first to save yourself any uncertainty. Good luck whatever the size, and I hope to see pics!

[jenjen2008]

Thanks for the great advice.... We are in a new townhouse less than year old and I took pics of the construction process so I can look and know where all the joists are. Now I am wondering since it is so new- will it be settling over the next year or so? Well tonight when I go home I will be checking my 37 to see if it is still level!

[nycsicktank]

i got a 75+30g on my 3rd fl house =)
my house is probably around 20 years old

[kcress]

Kcress- Just curious why does So Cal location make a difference?

You live on the Ring of Fire and as such are subject to frequent earthquakes to the extent that you must consider them when setting up and aquarium.

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsus/Maps/special/California_Nevada.php

[jenjen2008]

Thanks kcress...ya, I figured it out shortly after posting. :-) Thanks for the website! It's the same one I use at work!