Floor Joist Question

[Trey]

Im not sure where to post this.. so if inappropriate please move.

I have been planning to start a reef in my new home since I purchased it about five years ago.

I recently ordered the Waterbox Pro Reef 180.5. The place my girlfriend wants me to put it (the only place it really fits well on the main floor, basement underneath) happens to run parallel with the floor joists. It is against a main wall at the corner of two main walls.. if that makes any sense. Do I need to hire someone to reinforce the joists, or am I ok putting it there?

 

[shwareefer]

So essentially 2000 lbs on one joist. You might want an engineer or architect to come see it in person.

 

[DylanE]

Im not sure where to post this.. so if inappropriate please move.

I have been planning to start a reef in my new home since I purchased it about five years ago.

I recently ordered the Waterbox Pro Reef 180.5. The place my girlfriend wants me to put it (the only place it really fits well on the main floor, basement underneath) happens to run parallel with the floor joists. It is against a main wall at the corner of two main walls.. if that makes any sense. Do I need to hire someone to reinforce the joists, or am I ok putting it there?

I'd be real nervous putting a tank that size parallel to the joists. I recently had an engineer come out as I'm planning a 150g on the second floor. I'm against a weight bearing wall, across the joists, in a room that's 30' across, so I won't need any reinforcement. all that weight distribution goes out the window in your scenario.

 

[Trey]

I figured as much. Im going to hire a structural engineer to come out.. worst case scenario I move it to the basement. Its finished and furnished but we don't spend a ton of time down there.. thanks for the replies.

 

[Stanley Wong]

Could you put a 4x4 post underneath the weight bearing beam, anchor to the floor ?

 

[Trey]

Could you put a 4x4 post underneath the weight bearing beam, anchor to the floor ?

I could, or I could do jacks.. just unsure of how to do it all myself lol

 

[Backreefing]

If you have a basement, just simply add a couple posts to the floor at each corner of the aquarium

 

[Trey]

If you have a basement, just simply add a couple posts to the floor at each corner of the aquarium

The basement is fully finished and the tank will be right above my snake room...yes you read that correctly! lol. I would love to avoid posts if I can. Also I plan on putting my mixing station (including ato and awc) in the same room.

 

[Backreefing]

I beam

 

[Uncle99]

When finished, your talking about the weight of a car, with very expensive pets living in it.
Likely for many, many years to come.
Do it right the first time, then you will sleep well.
Get a professional. (Unless this type of work your very good at, then, maybe)
If the floor has flex, the cabinet has flex, the tank does not flex, so, it can crack.
Done that one before. What a freaking disaster.

 

[Trey]

When finished, your talking about the weight of a car, with very expensive pets living in it.
Likely for many, many years to come.
Do it right the first time, then you will sleep well.
Get a professional. (Unless this type of work your very good at, then, maybe)
If the floor has flex, the cabinet has flex, the tank does not flex, so, it can crack.
Done that one before. What a freaking disaster.

Good call Unc

 

[K7BMG]

I ask the dimention of the tank?
Do you know the size of the joists?
Do you know the spread? 16 or 24 inches on center?
You say the basement is finished so there is drywall or a finish surface on the basement celing? Sobtheres no easy access to add suport to existing framing members.

 

[Backreefing]

You have to check the layout of your framing , there is a couple ways to skin this cat
1 posts
2 I beams
3 extra floor trusses
4 LVL beams

 

[Trey]

I ask the dimention of the tank?
Do you know the size of the joists?
Do you know the spread? 16 or 24 inches on center?
You say the basement is finished so there is drywall or a finish surface on the basement celing? Sobtheres no easy access to add suport to existing framing members.

5x4x4 basically
i would guess 16
drywall and drop ceiling

 

[Trey]

You have to check the layout of your framing , there is a couple ways to skin this cat
1 posts
2 I beams
3 extra floor trusses
4 LVL beams

no clue...

 

[K7BMG]

Sorry missed a question or two.
What is the span of the joist overall and where will the tank sit on that span?
Dead center, one end or the other?

Yea I would guess the weight of the tank sump, rock, lights, and equipment to be around 2200 pounds.

If you put a sheet of floring plywood under the tank will help.
I dont know how the waterbox stands are but I assume it has several adjustable leveling feet.

 

[Trey]

Sorry missed a question or two.
What is the span of the joist overall and where will the tank sit on that span?
Dead center, one end or the other?

Yea I would guess the weight of the tank sump, rock, lights, and equipment to be around 2200 pounds.

If you put a sheet of floring plywood under the tank will help.
I dont know how the waterbox stands are but I assume it has several adjustable leveling feet.

It will be on the end of the span. More or less in the corner of two exterior walls of the house.

The tank does have multiple leveling feet.

 

[K7BMG]

Yes as I figured, and why I suguest using a piece of 1-1/8th floring plywood. This will give a more stable foot print for the tank and the floor.

With the drop down ceiling it will be easier to add support to the floor joists.
I would like others here have said, pay a structural guy to have a look.
It will be money well spent.

 

[bsn_rn_cen]

Very informative post. When I finally get to upgrade I will remember this. Thanks you.

 

[Stanley Wong]

For drop ceiling you could easily add another beam to make it double beam to support the weight without using the post