Kevin, thanks for commenting. As far as support under the column, that is a good point. I don’t know what code is today, but back in the day a lally column would require a 2’ x 2’ x 2’ concrete footing. I would guess that the basement floor is a four inch slab. I’m speculating that the couple hundred pounds would be distributed along a 2 foot 2 x 6 and not be a problem. Also, your comment about Styrofoam; I think you’re thinking about sill plates where a thin foam is installed for the purpose of sealing out air. It does nothing for this application of pressure treated wood to concrete.
And Zippy and Chris, thanks for your comments, but I really believe that two columns per triple beam would be overkill. It’s a 180 gallon tank and I know there are some that would say that no support would be necessary. Just using rough calculations we’re talking about maybe 1600 – 1800 pounds over a six foot length and having two supports, half that weight transferred…so roughly 800 – 900 pounds. But this number isn’t real because that weigh actually is distributed to the entire floor system…actually many beams away from the tank. So cut that weight again by half, and you’re looking at 400 to 450 pounds per column. That’s nothing!
And Zippy and Chris, thanks for your comments, but I really believe that two columns per triple beam would be overkill. It’s a 180 gallon tank and I know there are some that would say that no support would be necessary. Just using rough calculations we’re talking about maybe 1600 – 1800 pounds over a six foot length and having two supports, half that weight transferred…so roughly 800 – 900 pounds. But this number isn’t real because that weigh actually is distributed to the entire floor system…actually many beams away from the tank. So cut that weight again by half, and you’re looking at 400 to 450 pounds per column. That’s nothing!
