Best Flooring for Reef Tank

[ReefKeeperElite]

Okay, I’ve decided to designate a room in our house as the Reef Room. It was previously a spare bedroom on the ground floor. It is currently carpeted, and I’m doing the planning now to rip out the carpet, and install the best possible flooring for a new Red Sea Reefer Deluxe XXL 750.

I’ve visited Home Depot and talked to some flooring guys there. We looked into Lifeproof Tile, and Lifeproof Vinyl Tile. I let them know that I plan to put a 4000 LB reef tank on it, and that’s where they became unsure of the best flooring to choose.

I’d like some help in deciding which flooring would be best. I’m willing to pay what it takes to ensure the flooring will support that size reef tank, with no chance of cracking, buckling, displacing, etc.

Also any advice on if anything should be placed between the stand and the flooring to help distribute the weight.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[CNDReef]

tried and true ceramic tile. If the tank will be placed there forever I’d just tile around it and flush out the hole with concrete/self leveling. If this is behind the tank and your concerned about water a epoxy flooring with 4/6 inch base will be all you’ll ever need

 

[Danj]

I have the reefer 500 peninsula, which is basically the 4ft version of your tank. I don’t think flooring material will be a huge concern for you - I just have mine on stained oak flooring with a 1x6 subfloor. Red sea has food leveling feet so the PSI at any given point shouldn’t be excessive.

However you’re probably going to want to do the same as I did and reinforce the floor to ensure most of that load gets carried down to the ground through proper structural support. I consulted my architect before-hand, and he told basically told me my existing floor structure (2x6 joists, 12” on center, parallel to the tank) wasn’t going to cut it. Since my floor is over a crawlspace, he had me put two footings in the ground beneath the tank, sister the joists, and then build a little 2x4 “wall” to carry the load from the joists to the footings. It was slightly more complicated than that but I don’t want to bore anyone with a wall of text. Overkill? Probably. But at least someone who knows more than i do about building structure blessed it. So long story short, if you know anyone who is savvy in this area, it would probably be a good idea to check with them first. Good luck!

 

[snorklr]

wood framed floor or concrete slab? tile is great on concrete but on wood needs a subfloor that wont flex to keep tiles from cracking...iirc the old rule was inch and a quarter minimum for tile(with 16 on center beams) and that was just for a normal tile job...not the weight of a big tank....if this is wood framed do you have a basement or crawl space....cause you may want some lolly columns or block supports under it....i've been looking at the lifeproof vinyl tile myself but not sure....i had custom vinyl tile (not cheap) in my last house and eventually the weight of the fridge and washer moved and distorted the vinyl....you certainly dont want any sort of fake wood laminate cause that stuff swells up like a sponge if you get it wet....and even solid 3/4 hardwood will probably ruin the finish with a leak and water can run down the seams and under the stand where you cant get it out

 

[AZMSGT]

My 625 sits on ceramic tile over concrete slab. The Rea Sea cabinets have multiple 20+ feet to distribute the weight over a large area. If the ceramic floor is installed properly it can handle the weight assuming it’s a slab underneath.

Vinyl anything would get imprinted and fail.

 

[ReefKeeperElite]

wood framed floor or concrete slab? tile is great on concrete but on wood needs a subfloor that wont flex to keep tiles from cracking...iirc the old rule was inch and a quarter minimum for tile(with 16 on center beams) and that was just for a normal tile job...not the weight of a big tank....if this is wood framed do you have a basement or crawl space....cause you may want some lolly columns or block supports under it....i've been looking at the lifeproof vinyl tile myself but not sure....i had custom vinyl tile (not cheap) in my last house and eventually the weight of the fridge and washer moved and distorted the vinyl

The tank will be on the ground floor, right on top of the foundation of the house. The Lifeproof Tile is a 6” by 24” ceramic tile separated by grout. Below is a picture.

 

[CNDReef]

As long as it’s installed correctly it shouldn’t be a problem. I roll around 4000 lbs pallets over ceramic a lot at work and in 25 years maybe cracked 6-10 tiles In different buildings. Again I’m rolling the weight around and the tank will just be there stationary.

PS I’v been a Union floorcoverer for 25 years :)

 

[Erica-Renee]

As long as it’s installed correctly it shouldn’t be a problem. I roll around 4000 lbs pallets over ceramic a lot at work and in 25 years maybe cracked 6-10 tiles In different buildings. Again I’m rolling the weight around and the tank will just be there stationary.

PS I’v been a Union floorcoverer for 25 years :)

This i agree with .. Just remember your flooring is ONLY as strong and stable as what it is installed on. Durrock and Any stone product will be best... Laminate i would not use if water gets under them then you have a Big issue.. And i have seen this MANY MANY Times.

 

[KrisReef]

I always like a concrete floor with a built in drain if it is an option. My current tank is in the garage so I can spill with impunity.
My wife is happy with this arrangement.
I hope you start a build thread on here!