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New Member
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Last Login: 6/27/2008 11:52:22 AM
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| So, when I was originally planning my setup I was assuming my tank would be in the 45 gallon range. I also read somewhere that you should assume a tank weighs 10-12lbs per gallon after you include all the gear, which would have put that tank in the 540lb ballpark, which did not concern me even when you consider that this tank will be placed on the second floor. My setup requires a corner tank, so it will be wedged into a corner and is therefore up against TWO walls instead of one or no walls. Also, one of those walls is an exterior, load-bearing wall. Combine this with the fact that my setup was initially only going to weigh 540 lbs, and I didn't give the weight issue another moment's thought. However, my LFS owner said that it would be hard to fit a sump underneath later on with a tank that size & configuration. The more I read the more I'm convinced I'd like to add a sump at some point in the future, so I purchased a size that would be easier to add a sump to considering the corner configuration of the tank, and so I splurged and bought a 92 gallon tank. It wasn't until after this that I reminded myself about the weight issue. Now I'm looking at a setup that will be in the 1,100 lb range. I am encouraged by the fact that the tank will be up against two walls, one load-bearing, but a little nervous because that room is over our garage and there are no walls directly underneath. It is a new place with rock-solid construction. Am I being paranoid over 92 gallons?
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Average Member
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Last Login: 8/18/2008 11:07:14 AM
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If you're really concerned about weight, and space in the garage allows for it, you could add a steel support post underneath where the tank will be. Just make sure that it is supporting all of the joists the tank will be resting on.
However, I think the tank will be fine without any support.
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Fishkeeping GURU
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Last Login: 8/27/2008 3:15:22 PM
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How old is your home? What sort of construction is it (e.g., post and beam, manufactured home, etc)? Is all the wood in good shape?
I have a 72g on the third floor of a very old (like early 1800's) apartment building, and it is fine, so I wouldn't worry too much. But with a sump, your tank could get very heavy indeed, so it wouldn't hurt to be careful. You could ask someone in construction to come out and take a look at it...after all, you have spent a lot already, so what's a little more?
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Starting Member
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Last Login: 7/21/2008 9:49:02 AM
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| You said it was new rock solid construction, so if you have access to the original builder or architect that would be the best way to put your mind to rest. And if your like the rest of us who never put the car in the garage then a support post would be a great safety feature. As even if it doesn't collapse you could cause the floor to bow putting strain on the tank integrity. Maybe an extra sheet of 3/4 inch plywood cut to the base size underneath would help spread the weight.
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Fishkeeping GURU
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Mindnova (4/30/2008)
You said it was new rock solid construction...
Oops, I somehow missed that part. I read the rest of the post and didn't even see the last line. Sorry. 
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New Member
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Last Login: 7/30/2008 3:24:16 AM
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| With current construction codes the floor over your garage should be able to support a tank of thats size including the sump without any problems at all. i would not go to any drastic measure to support the floor. just set up the tank an enjoy it. it will be fine.
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Average Member
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If you do not use a sump then you should be ok with a 92 gallon tank in the corner. The sump will add more weight and will in fact exceed the limits of the floor. 92 gallons is slightly over the limit actually and will bow the floor over time.
If you cant reinforce from underneath then you can add some strength to the floor by laying an additional layer (or two) of 3/4 plywood in the area of the tank which will help distribute the weight better. The only other method would be to "sister" the joists under the floor.
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Starting Member
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If you live in a warm climate where the garage doesn't get too cold, you could try putting the tank in there, and bypass the weight issue altogether.
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New Member
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Last Login: 7/4/2008 2:44:52 PM
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It should be fine
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