Max size of tank for second floor location

[trigger]

Does anyone know what is the largest size of aquarium that a second story will support?

Tahnks !!!

[Michael_Lambert]

This would be too hard for anyone here to answer!.. you would need a Engineer to come in and check it out.. Depends on what kind of Joist you have.. the direction they are running compared to what way you want your tank to look.. and the foot print of the tank.. you can have a larger tank as long as you go across more Joist..

My second floor tank was at first

125G with 60G sump.. So total of 185g.. now this place is still a very new home!

[pbutkovich]

I agree with Mike that you need to look into this more closely. One place to look is your local building supply store, and I don't mean Home Depot. Most building supply stores have people on staff that can draw up plans for type and size of joists needed for certain loads. I see no reason why they could not work backwards and tell you the load for the size of joists you have.

[Mike]

Here's an article I read while trying to decide if my 90 gallon was too heavy for the second floor of my townhouse... I'm still not sure, but it's been here for several months now, and I haven't yet noticed a problem!

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/aquarium_weight.php

I hope that will help you, but as said above, seeking professional advice is probably the best course of action.

Mike

[Dman]

Definately worth the extra bucks to not have a tank come crashing into the living room.
But think about it, ever own a water bed? Mind you the weight is pretty well spread out so try and keep that in mind. Also helps if the placement is either near a supporting or load bearing wall (easy to find) or the outside wall (even easier).
My 187 is in the dining room, but is placed almost directly over the main house beam, so little worry there.
Dman
:spin:

[Mckitrick]

Main floor is easier because you can always put more support down in the basement if needed. Putting it on a second story however requires you to be a lot more careful because you're compounding the weight.

Take your time. Ask someone who knows about these things and go for it. If it's not something that's possible, make room on the main floor! :)

[pbutkovich]

Dman,
Did you not have some issues with your last tank though? I think I remember you saying something about movement when your daughter ran to the phone or something like that.
Paul