Foundations with a large tank

Snoopdog · Jul 4, 2021

I have been putting serious thought into either keeping my Red Sea e-260 or what could possibly be a retirement tank. I know a lot of people in my area that have large tanks and I have never heard of them putting a second thought into the weight of the tank on their slabs. My house was built around 2006 if I remember correctly and is on a slab. The rear of the house is sitting roughly 4 foot above grade, I am guessing that is not solid slab and they put the slab on top of a mound of tamped dirt. So the expensive question here is how worried should I be about my slab supporting a tank? I have seen people around here put 500 gallon tanks in the middle of their house and not have an issue but I personally do not like taking chances on something like that.

Quietman · Jul 4, 2021

I'm on a slab that's above grade (and slopes down to a pond on 2 sides). I would have no concerns about any size tank in any part of my house. If they've graded the dirt and poured a slab over it (and they're usually reinforced) it's going to be sufficient. I park my car in the garage on the same slab for 12 years now.

Fish Think Pink · Jul 4, 2021

Snoopdog said:
I have been putting serious thought into either keeping my Red Sea e-260 or what could possibly be a retirement tank. I know a lot of people in my area that have large tanks and I have never heard of them putting a second thought into the weight of the tank on their slabs. My house was built around 2006 if I remember correctly and is on a slab. The rear of the house is sitting roughly 4 foot above grade, I am guessing that is not solid slab and they put the slab on top of a mound of tamped dirt. So the expensive question here is how worried should I be about my slab supporting a tank? I have seen people around here put 500 gallon tanks in the middle of their house and not have an issue but I personally do not like taking chances on something like that.

Local-to-you structural engineer can give you best answer

Will tell you me and others put them on slabs/floors we have...

My tank is in converted porch, which had sloping 'floor' we had to level. 180g purposely put where original slab was thickest and most level, happened to be corner nearest garage.

monkeyCmonkeyDo · Jul 4, 2021

I have a crawl space. I braced two beams below my stand. I would be confident with a slab as well.

Snoopdog · Jul 4, 2021

Quietman said:
I'm on a slab that's above grade (and slopes down to a pond on 2 sides). I would have no concerns about any size tank in any part of my house. If they've graded the dirt and poured a slab over it (and they're usually reinforced) it's going to be sufficient. I park my car in the garage on the same slab for 12 years now.

I never really thought about that. Our garage was poured at the same time. The difference is that the car tires do not spread out the weight the same as a tank. I mean you fill a garden tub completely full of water, which we have, and do not blink an eye. I mean both the car and tub full of water are different, it is still weight. I definitely hope to get many more replies and talk this out, a big tank takes planning. I could always do another smaller tank and may be just as happy.