Big tank on tile floors
- Thread starter JOKER
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Check out the link below that ran some compressive strength tests on a couple different tiles. The results end up converting to 17,000 psi and 24,000 psi respectively. I was surprised by how high the values are but I guess this is why these materials are used so often for flooring. Another figure to look at maybe the type of mortar bed you’ll be setting it on. If the mortar bed fails, there would be some subsidence in the tiles. Once they are not level, you are exposing their weak tensile strengths (bending). Let’s use a mortar bed with a compressive strength of 2,500 psi to be conservative.
Civil At Work: To determine compressive strength of tiles
The weight of a 200 gallon tank with water/rocks plus the stand itself should put you somewhere around 2500 lbs. This number can vary greatly depending on your setup.
The base of a 200 or so gallon tank will be approximately 72”x24”. Let’s assume the base of the stand is just 2x4s which now gives you a contact surface area with the tile of approximately: 288 in^2 [2 sides*(72”x1.5”)] + [(2 sides*(24”x1.5”)]. The 2x4s would be sitting on the narrower side which has an actual dimension of 1.5” which is where I got that number.
That’ll give you a distributed load of 2500 lbs/288 in ^ 2 = 8.7 psi!!! I think you’ll be fine…
Just don’t cheap out on the tile/mortar and have a quality installer lol :lol:
Civil At Work: To determine compressive strength of tiles
The weight of a 200 gallon tank with water/rocks plus the stand itself should put you somewhere around 2500 lbs. This number can vary greatly depending on your setup.
The base of a 200 or so gallon tank will be approximately 72”x24”. Let’s assume the base of the stand is just 2x4s which now gives you a contact surface area with the tile of approximately: 288 in^2 [2 sides*(72”x1.5”)] + [(2 sides*(24”x1.5”)]. The 2x4s would be sitting on the narrower side which has an actual dimension of 1.5” which is where I got that number.
That’ll give you a distributed load of 2500 lbs/288 in ^ 2 = 8.7 psi!!! I think you’ll be fine…
Just don’t cheap out on the tile/mortar and have a quality installer lol :lol:
Dapperjman
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Also, make absolutely certain to use backerboard (or equivalent) under the tile and make sure the tile is perfectly level. If not, like Nandez mentioned, the tile will break from a small amount of shear forces (bending).
OP
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JOKER
2500 Club Member
Ok thanks. I will be the one tiling so if it breaks I can only blame myself.lol. I worry mostly about the adjustable feet on the steel stand im building. I use hardy backer and thinset under the backer board and tile.
I ran a 265 for years on tile. I never had any problem. It was incredibly easy to clean after spills. In fact, when I moved into my house, the first thing I did was tile every single room. I never want a tank on carpet ever again if I can help it. However, my stand was wood all along the bottom to spread the weight.
thejuggernaut
Active Member
If the tile was installed properly, meaning that the thinset is in full contact and supporting the tile, then it is more than fine. But if you can tap the tiles and hear a hollow sounds, then the tile isn't fully in contact with the subfloor and can crack.
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JOKER
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I think his Is doing fine. I didn't think was a problem but my friend was warning me not to. Tile floor to me is way more solid than wood. I will just be sure to get tile set very good around tank,. Thanks
thejuggernaut
Active Member
Yea, if you think about it, a tank with a solid bottom is going to exert less pressure per square inch than a queen size been with 2 people sleeping it it. The bed may only have 4 sqin touching the floor and no one would have a problem putting a bed in tile. Where you start having to worry about tanks is with the over all weight on load bearing joist like on a 2nd story or in a house over a basement.
trplxj
Community Member
My 500 is on a tile floor (that I did myself, and it was my first time doing a tile floor). And it's been there for 5 years now with zero issues. I was worried that the tile might crack or break, but it hasn't.
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JOKER
2500 Club Member
Thanks guys, makes me feel most confident. I was pretty sure it would work but a friend got the thought of tile breaking in my head.lol. I know tiles are tough as long as don't get a blunt shock on them like dropping a hammer or something on them.lol
Windy
Active Member
If you have four adjustable feet that makes the psi loading way higher than if you spread the weight. I would not use the adjustable feet. Have you ever looked at oak flooring after a lady in spike heels has walked on it. The point loading is very destructive.
