Keeping a 6ft by 2ft by 2ft tank in an upstairs flat help

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Vincentaquarium

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Mar 10, 2013
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newcastle
I've always wanted to keep a 6ft tank but I live in an upstairs flat now after recently moving with my partner and my partner has no problem with me keeping this size tank but I have a few concerns:

This is the tank I'm after: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6ft-Tropi...6?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item35c4dc1f4c

As you can see the tank stand does spread the weight evenly across the tank as opposed to a metal stand with just four legs and the middle point being the weakest point.

I've found out which way the joists run and it is an older house but there is no creaks or anything and everything seems to be fine with strong support but I don't want to get this tank and then it go bang straight away or a few weeks after I've filled it right up.

What is the limit of upstairs weight regarding fish tanks? Has anyone kept a large aquarium upstairs?

It's unfortunate that I don't have concrete floors or live in a downstairs flat but that's just life for you...

How can I find out if my floorboards will take the weight of this tank? It's roughly around 150 gallons and that is without gravel, rocks, fish, heaters, filters and so on... so around the 150 odd gallon mark, can anybody give me advise please? :)

Really want this tank, it would look amazing as where I want it runs opposite the way the joists are going (joists like this: ||||||| tank like this >>>>>> across the joists) but just don't want any problems. Really worried immensely about this, my stepdad advises against and says its too heavy. Help!

I've read stuff from Google saying get a structural engineer out but fair enough if I do that (money is no issue) but what can actually be done to be strengthened to support this weights tank or can it already?

Thank you.
 
fishnutham said:
its too heavy in my opinion ,ive read tons of threads and its always a debate.have a pro look at your house..
Click to expand...

But the thing is what exactly is the limit?

Calculations show it's 107 stone spread across 7 joists is around 15 stone each joist and evenly spread on an even cabinet (shown in link).
 
I have mine on the third floor what i did wad to secure the stand to the wall with 2x4 and4x4 so the weight is divided with the floor and wall
First located the stud then center of the studsView attachment 890785
Then place the first 2x4 to the studs with 4" screws View attachment 890783
The i place 4x4 on the 2x4 for my pipe View attachment 890786 then screw mine stand to the 4x4 and so far so good


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
6x2x2 would be a 180 gallon, water is about 10 lbs a gallon. Your looking at 1800 lbs plus rocks and gravel so maybe around 2000 lbs... I had mine in an upstairs flat, it was against a weight bearing wall and there was a closet right under it in appmt below me so even extra support I was there a year and was fine..
 
Blackumbi said:
I have mine on the third floor what i did wad to secure the stand to the wall with 2x4 and4x4 so the weight is divided with the floor and wall
First located the stud then center of the studsView attachment 890785
Then place the first 2x4 to the studs with 4" screws View attachment 890783
The i place 4x4 on the 2x4 for my pipe View attachment 890786 then screw mine stand to the 4x4 and so far so good



Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
Click to expand...
your photos didnt work.
 
Vincentaquarium said:
But the thing is what exactly is the limit?

Calculations show it's 107 stone spread across 7 joists is around 15 stone each joist and evenly spread on an even cabinet (shown in link).
Click to expand...

Still have the house inspected every house has different load bearing walls/joists ..they can tell 100% if you can do it.
I get nervous with anything above 100g
 
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