Habitat - Indoor :: Stupid Engineering question...

[BigCT]

My Momma always said there is no such thing as a stupid question, only stupid people.

I've read that Water weighs in at about 8-9 pounds per gallon.

I'm going to be getting a Large Rubbermaid stock tank for the Turts.

Since this is about 100 gallons. That's about 900 lbs. I have the Turts in my upstairs office.

Will my floor support that weight? This is a new home built 2004.

Unfortunately Putting it downstairs is not an option.

Thanks
-Chris

[steve]

yes, its about 8.3 pounds. that is a big strain and i cannot give you a qualified answer but if you intend not to consult an expert here's my take: try to place it above a support beam or even better - in a corner of the room (where i think the floor is stronger).

plus a stock tank is a good since it will be flexible in case your floor gets warped.

[marisa]

I've also read that putting a piece of plywood under the tank will help distribute the weight better.

[jenaero]

any way you can get in touch with the builders? They'd know for sure. I'll tell you about mine tho. I called my landlord and asked him. Explained the 9 or 10 pound per gallon thing and told him i wanted to upgrade to a 125 gallon. He said no way. I'm on the 3rd floor of an older building tho.

[BigCT]

plus a stock tank is a good since it will be flexible in case your floor gets warped.

I don't think a warped floor would be good for the resale value.

Thank you for the replies so far. I'll see what the builders say. Any other replies are greatly appreciated

[steve]

hide it with carpet

and at least you won't end up with a cracked tank

[pkneeyahx]

I like to think of it in terms like this. Do you think your floor would support the weight of 3 really fat guys standing in a huddle??? like 3 350 pounders?

if you keep the tank at the wall, or better yet in the corner, it should hold for sure. it's only a 1000 pounds.. think of how much your fridge and stove weighs? not to mention a full bathtub.. although most homes nowadays are built structurally with these items in mind.

and if you live in a highrise apartment building.. it should hold for sure.. each apartment is separated by firewall.. above, below and to the side.

[BigCT]

I was going off the bath tub as a gage for weight. my concern is most tubs are like 50 gallons. I know they put those large jetted tubs upstairs in homes but I wonder if they put in more support.

I think it would hold it OK, I'm just more worried about the permanent damage.

pkneeyahx, Every time I think of the 350 pounders...

[soopermum62]

Remember a lot of people have water beds.. They take easily TWICE the water that your turtle tub will.. I have a mobile home. NO warpage or problems here.. My home was built in 1992...

[mikey]

Is it possible to get at your floor joists from downstairs? If so, you can add some cross bracesfrom beam to beam every couple feet. This will prevent the 2x8, 2x10, or whatever you have from twisting and tie all the beams together for more strength.


I'm building a new set up for my guys too. 189 liters, or 50 something gallon rubbermaid bin. More details and pics to come later.