Tank Move Advice Needed

[flatlander93]

I am the new owner of a 150 innovative marine tank. It will go on the main floor over a basement. Tank runs perpendicular to the joists with are engineered style of plywood beams. It butts up to the main support of the house. Will a floor jack be necessary? Does it make a difference if I move the sump to the basement instead of under the tank. Thanks for looking. Iv supported tanks before but this house is just a couple years old so want to do well.

 

[exnisstech]

I can't comment on support but will say if you have the option to have the sump in the basement I would do it. I have a 125g DIY sump in my basement and love having it down there. My basement is unfinished tho and sump is close to my basement sump crock so messes don't even matter which is good for me. Being able to stand and work vs crawling on my knees is a big plus also.

 

[ryanjohn1]

A floor jack is like $150. 4x4 pressure treated lumber is way cheaper. That’s what I used

 

[flatlander93]

12’ between support beams in the basement. Joists are 12”. If that helps.

 

[ryanjohn1]

12 inch is great. You may not need to add anything. I’ve got 16 and my house is 120 years old. I added 2 4x4’s cause the floor was already a bit shaky. Is the floor bouncy feeling when you stand where you want the tank?

 

[flatlander93]

No bounce that I notice.

 

[DarkReefer]

12’ between support beams in the basement. Joists are 12”. If that helps.

it's so shiny and new!

I second the idea of having the sump in the basement. Will allow you to either keep all your tank related crap down there and out of the main house and even allow you space under the tank for a few bits and pieces or other storage if needed.

 

[Dburr1014]

Your butted up against the main support on 12" spaced joists. Probably good especially with a basement sump. I would do the basement sump. A bigger pump but worth it. I have the sicce sdc 9.0 at 66% 14 ft head.

 

[Fishnut]

I had the same framing in my home. I had a 125 gallon spanning 4 beams. After the tank was up when people would walk in the room the floor and tank would shake. A building engineer said to cut 1/2“ 4x8 plywood sheets into 4’ x 11.5” strips. Then glue and screw them to the beams. This will firm or stiffen them up the floor and prevent the beams from sagging or bouncing from the weight of the tank. Hope this makes sense.

 

[flatlander93]

Did that help your bounce?

 

[flatlander93]

Also it’s 16” on center. The joists are 12” tall.

 

[icedgxe]

I had the same framing in my home. I had a 125 gallon spanning 4 beams. After the tank was up when people would walk in the room the floor and tank would shake. A building engineer said to cut 1/2“ 4x8 plywood sheets into 4’ x 11.5” strips. Then glue and screw them to the beams. This will firm or stiffen them up the floor and prevent the beams from sagging or bouncing from the weight of the tank. Hope this makes sense.

I was thinking of doing something to minimize the bounce in the tank I’m setting up as well. It’s an SR120 that will be on top of a crawlspace as well. Did that take care of the bounce?