2nd Floor Tank ?

[LiveRock27]

I am looking to upgrade from my BC14 to a larger tank. My only problem is what ever tank I decide on has to go on the second floor of my home in my office(wife says so).

I wanted to see what size tanks people are keeping on the second floor of their homes/apartments?

I would really like to go with a 90g tank because the load bearing wall in my office has plenty of room for a 48" long tank, but the door to the room is only 23" wide, so the 18" wide 90g would be perfect for me.

Thanks.

 

[Reef keeper]

Hmmm.... A 90 might be maxing it. Because u have to think of the, skimmer, rock, sand etc. Weight

 

[xmetalfan99]

It really depends on placement. If you put the tank on a load bearing wall you can have a larger tank than if placed on a non load bearing wall. The number of joists that run under the tank will also help spread out the weight. Age of the structure also matters. I have a 75G on a non-load bearing wall in my 2nd floor apartment with no issues. I feel that a 120 would be the most that I can do in the APT due to age and location of possible tanks.

If you went with a 90G, 90lbs of rock, and 80lbs of LS, I would guesstimate that you will reall yonly have about 80gallons of water in the tank. Making the weight 80 x 8 + 90 + 80 = 810lbs. Your floor will be able to hold that easily when placed on atleast 2 floor joists.

Lets add a 30G sump. On avg you only have about 50% of the sump filled so that only adds another 15G of weight. Making the total 15x8+810 = 930lbs

 

[fsu1dolfan]

I found a thread that was starting a little ways back...there were some very interesting responses. Check it out https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/general-reef-discussions/37444-largest-tank-2nd-floor-higher.html

 

[LiveRock27]

I found a thread that was starting a little ways back...there were some very interesting responses. Check it out https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/general-reef-discussions/37444-largest-tank-2nd-floor-higher.html

Thanks for the advice and especially for pointing out this thread to me.

The tank will be up against a load barring wall, but I need to check on how far apart the floor joists are. If they are 16" apart than I would have 3 holding up the tank and that would make me feel a lot better.

 

[fsu1dolfan]

Thanks for the advice and especially for pointing out this thread to me.

The tank will be up against a load barring wall, but I need to check on how far apart the floor joists are. If they are 16" apart than I would have 3 holding up the tank and that would make me feel a lot better.

Not a problem - always happy to help. I did notice in the thread that Troy mentioned load barring walls are a good thing...good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[LiveRock27]

Not a problem - always happy to help. I did notice in the thread that Troy mentioned load barring walls are a good thing...good luck and let us know how it goes.

Noticed that as well. It will be a few months before the tank is up and running, but one of my LFS is running a special on tanks and stands this week and just can't pass up the savings. Figure it will give me plenty of time to design this setup.

 

[snoopie]

I run a 90 gal up stairs inside a closet been there for 2 years. Love it.

Sent from my EVO.

 

[LiveRock27]

I run a 90 gal up stairs inside a closet been there for 2 years. Love it.

Sent from my EVO.

Great to hear because I ordered my new 90g and stand today.

There are 3 joists that the tank will be spread over, so once I found that out it made ordering the tank a little easier.

Thanks again for all the help yall.

 

[fsu1dolfan]

Great to hear because I ordered my new 90g and stand today.

There are 3 joists that the tank will be spread over, so once I found that out it made ordering the tank a little easier.

Thanks again for all the help yall.

Congrats on the new tank purchase!!! Cant wait to see it all setup...so when you getting it?? Time for a build thread!