Is there no hope...?

dragonfisher33 · May 25, 2016

So i have been excited about my future build and what-not and I overlooked the support.

the joists are running parallel to the tank and if i remember it correct, you need to have the tank situated where it runs perpendicular to the joists for maximum support.

the tank is a 5x2x2 150 gallon peninsula. it was supposed to be a room divider between the kitchen and the living room.

jsker · May 25, 2016

How old is the house? can you get to the area from under to build in support. basically you brace it from underneath if you can get to it.

dragonfisher33 · May 25, 2016

jsker said:
How old is the house? can you get to the area from under to build in support. basically you brace it from underneath if you can get to it.

the house was built in 96...

jsker · May 25, 2016

dragonfisher33 said:
the house was built in 96...

I am assuming that this is going to be on the first floor, is there a basement under the area?

eatbreakfast · May 25, 2016

You should be fine regardless. It's not a monster tank. The weight will be spread out and equal approximately 200lbs a sq foot. That's close to a 6'2 man standing with his feet together. The floor beams should be able to handle that.

dragonfisher33 · May 25, 2016

jsker said:
I am assuming that this is going to be on the first floor, is there a basement under the area?

yes, there's a finished basement underneath it. last thing i want to do is tear into the ceiling of the basement and add extra support....

dragonfisher33 · May 25, 2016

eatbreakfast said:
You should be fine regardless. It's not a monster tank. The weight will be spread out and equal approximately 200lbs a sq foot. That's close to a 6'2 man standing with his feet together. The floor beams should be able to handle that.

you sure? would a picture help to decide whether or not it will hold the weight?

jsker · May 25, 2016

dragonfisher33 said:
you sure? would a picture help to decide whether or not it will hold the weight?

Yes that will help, and possible we can get more involved so that you have several optionsl

dragonfisher33 · May 25, 2016

this picture shows where the stand is going to be placed. white rectangle indicates the base of the stand

dragonfisher33 · May 25, 2016

@ the basement and looking up: this is where the support of the house. running in parallel with the tank/stand. at the moment, i dont know if the stand is going between two joists or just straddling on one joist.

jsker · May 25, 2016

Mu suggestion would be to double up the Joyce, meaning strengthen the existing Joyce by doubling the span thickness with same width and length and you would be fine

120reefkeeper · May 25, 2016

jsker said:
Mu suggestion would be to double up the Joyce, meaning strengthen the existing Joyce by doubling the span thickness with same width and length and you would be fine

I'm now considering doubled up Joyce because of you. [emoji57]

dragonfisher33 · May 25, 2016

jsker said:
Mu suggestion would be to double up the Joyce, meaning strengthen the existing Joyce by doubling the span thickness with same width and length and you would be fine

so basically couple more 2x6 or 2x10s running the the same direction as the current joists, correct?

jsker · May 26, 2016

dragonfisher33 said:
so basically couple more 2x6 or 2x10s running the the same direction as the current joists, correct?

Yes, also remember to tie them in at the end of the joists.

fragit · May 26, 2016

I am in a similar situation house built in '96 as well. I would determine first if the JOIST is in or near the center of the stand. In my case it is. Judging from your picture the end near the window will be fine as there is the bottom plate and foundation supporting that end. As for the end near the knee wall, I am in the same boat. I am going to get a lolly column. Build a header out of three to four 2x4s long enough to span the joist under the tank and the two on either side of that joist. This will distribute the weight across 3 joists. In your case with the finished basement you can just box it out with pine hiding the lolli column. Get some drop ceiling materials and boom you wouldn't even know it's there. Does this make sense to you?