Hardwood Floors / Aquarium Location

[reeferJohn316]

I have an AF Oceanguard 435, and would like to put it on the hardwood floors in the living room. The tank is about 36x24x23, and the stand is 36x24x37; 82 gallons and a 33 gallon sump with 1/2" glass. My estimate is that we'll be around 1400 lbs or so when its all said and done (hopefully erroring on the high side). I've included a few pics of the basement ceiling and the floor the tank is on. The joists are unfortunately parallel. I was thinking of adding a jack post or 2 (if I can fit) under it, in the basement. My other concern is that the stand is on 6 adjustable, maybe half inch round feet. I am wondering if they are going to dent the floor over time, and also if this is too much weight for this location? Any suggestions, guidance, life experience, is appreciated. This is my first post! Thanks everyone!

 

[PPBlimpy]

Adding the joist jack is a good idea for stability and will not let the tank slosh as much as you walk by in high traffic area and piece of mind for the weight. I did the same under my 125G in a similar situation.

Now for the feet, may not be as visually appealing but I would look at adding a larger disc, think drink coaster or something to put under the feet to distribute the weight a bit more. Maybe 4" round.

I have never personally owned a stand with feet, but would have the same concern. I am currently setting up a 300G that I have 3/4 ply on the bottom of the stand with a piece of 1/2 high density foam between stand and floor. will be climbing back under the house to install 4 floor joist jacks here this weekend

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

a simple jack and piece of plywood or metal will take care of that.

Can i suggest that you use a large waterproof mat under that tank with at least about 6 inches clearing all 4 sides? You WILL get saltwater on that floor. There is no avoiding it.

Welcome!

 

[reeferJohn316]

Adding the joist jack is a good idea for stability and will not let the tank slosh as much as you walk by in high traffic area and piece of mind for the weight. I did the same under my 125G in a similar situation.

Now for the feet, may not be as visually appealing but I would look at adding a larger disc, think drink coaster or something to put under the feet to distribute the weight a bit more. Maybe 4" round.

I have never personally owned a stand with feet, but would have the same concern. I am currently setting up a 300G that I have 3/4 ply on the bottom of the stand with a piece of 1/2 high density foam between stand and floor. will be climbing back under the house to install 4 floor joist jacks here this weekend

Thank you very much for your reply, this is what I was thinking I would need to do with the feet... the tank is also in a high traffic area to your point.

Congrats on your 300, and good luck this weekend w/ the joist jacks, I think I'm going to be doing the same this weekend... but just 1 or 2 here...

 

[reeferJohn316]

a simple jack and piece of plywood or metal will take care of that.

Can i suggest that you use a large waterproof mat under that tank with at least about 6 inches clearing all 4 sides? You WILL get saltwater on that floor. There is no avoiding it.

Welcome!

Thank you for the reply Chris! I'm going to take you and PPBlimby up on the jack idea. As for the adjustable feet under the tank... I'm still on the fence as for what to do with this situation.

I have looked at a lot of forums and blogs prior to posting this, and I am seeing these 2 camps... one says spread out the point of contact with some sort of discs / gaskets / hardwood blocks, etc. and the other says put some sort of waterproof / plywood base underneath it. The issue I've heard with the mat is that you will spill and water will get underneath and never dry and ruin the floors, whereas at least w/ the other option the tank would remain raised without a possibility for water to gather underneath where it wouldn't dry and warp the floors...