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Thread: Structural Experts -- I have a question

  1. #1
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    Structural Experts -- I have a question

    My son is thinking of getting a 65 gallon aquarium. Water at 8.8 lbs per gallon is 540 lbs plus about say 50 lbs for the stand. The weight will be on approx 6 sq ft of floor. My question is will the ~600 lbs be too much for the floor joists in his house to handle.

    Framing is 2X10 on 16 centers spaning ~ 14 ft. This is a house built in the late 50's so it has real 2X10's.

    I am thinking this is too much weight.

    Thoughts??
    George

    Making sawdust regularly, occasionally a project is completed.

  2. #2
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    I wouldn't worry about it. 600lb is basically the same thing as 4 people standing near the same spot. People can jump up and down, while the aquarium is a static load. Also, the aquarium will probably be placed against a wall instead of the center of the room.

    Steve

  3. #3
    No worries. I had a 100 gallon salt water tank, which is even heavier, and it was just fine.

  4. #4
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    I also don't think it will be a problem...I have a 55 upstairs with no issues. I was just advised at the time to place it perpendicular to the joists if possible.

  5. #5
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    That should not be a problem--assuming that the wood is structurally sound.

    Is the tank going to be in the middle of the room or against a wall? If it was in the middle, the worst you would have to worry about is the floor sagging a small amount.

  6. #6
    Quote Originally Posted by Todd Mason-Darnell View Post
    That should not be a problem--assuming that the wood is structurally sound.

    Is the tank going to be in the middle of the room or against a wall? If it was in the middle, the worst you would have to worry about is the floor sagging a small amount.
    And maybe not even that, depending on what's under it. If you have a structural wall beneath the tank, no matter where in the room it is, you're golden.

  7. #7
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    According to the sagulator if you placed the aquarium in the center of a single 2 x 10 with a 14' span the 2 x 10 would sag .08". I think the fish will be safe wherever you place them in the room.
    Lee Schierer
    USNA '71
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  8. #8
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    Thanks everyone. I did not even think of the sagulator.
    George

    Making sawdust regularly, occasionally a project is completed.

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