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Tank Placement - 72 Gallon Bow - Suggestions?

R

reefitup

The wife and I are discussing tank placement today. It will be FO with some live rock, not a ton. We have hardwood floors in our living room. Looking at the joists, they run in the same direction as the tank will if I put it where I want the tank to go :-\ We'll call that...Spot A

I've read in different places that you're ok doing it parallel to one rafter up to a 75 gallon, and I've also heard other things.

I do have another spot that will be slightly more hindered by cold air but it should be ok. I'm more inclined to put it perpendicular to the rafters (spot B) but unless I'm just being overcautious... I did come across a good link http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/aquarium_weight.php with some good info, but I'm not sure if it didn't just put more doubt in my mind (probably a good thing)

I know alot of you guys have swimming pools larger tanks with tons of live rock, so the weight in one of yours may be a bit more but thought I'd check for input.

Thoughts?
 
panmanmatt

panmanmatt

Officer Emeritus
Officer Emeritus
My thoughts are to put it perpendicular to the joists. Even with a 75 gallon, it's better to be safe then sorry.
 
S

sinkingbeach

Wow Steve, I thought you were going with a Nano ;) When I had a 75 in my old 2nd floor apt. the tank was running parallel to the rafters without issue. I really think you'll be ok with Spot A.
 
R

reefitup

50/50 hmm.. interesting ;)

Yeah, I'm still going with a nano. This is going to be the spousal unit's FOWLR tank. Gotta make her happy!



I guess I should have probably added that we are planning to move in 10 months or so...possibly so it could be there for only another 10 months to a year...
 
R

reefitup

We do have a plan C but that would put it infront of a window and I think I'd rather risk the floor giving way then algae blooms :p
 
Hawkeye

Hawkeye

reefitup said:
I did come across a good link http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/aquarium_weight.php with some good info, but I'm not sure if it didn't just put more doubt in my mind.
Thoughts?
Click to expand...

Interesting read - thanks for the link! Too bad the All-glass link is dead - since they were taken over by aqueon - you'd think some web-nut would know to at least forward it to the new page.

Personally I think the article should re-assure you since he didn't think an extra joist is needed unless we're talking 125 and up. Also if you put it on a concrete slab then the discussion is moot.

One thing though to consider is if you will have a sump - which will add more overall weight. If you choose spot A, is it close to the wall? or are you thinking in the middle of the beam? I would say spot A is the riskiest choice if it's the middle of the beam. But if it were say, up against a wall - then reading that article we're talking about shearing risk (vs bending) - and Id say go for it.

The window would look amazing since I'd come do drive bys just to see it (lol) but seriously the downside in my opinion is not the algae. Algae needs some nutrients in a tank to go full bore bloom - so if your tank is maintained (water changes, skimmed etc etc.) - it shouldn't be an issue. I'd be most concerned about managing the temperature when the sun bakes the tank. Though it is a FOWLR...still it just complicates matters.

Spot B in the end is probably ideal, but spot A may work if we're talking shear pressure. Also Im assuming you don't have like a 100 gallon refugium and sump. ;D
 
R

reefitup

Thanks for the info and input :)

I think we're going with spot B. There is a steel support beam in the basement close to it so I think that might be the best spot.

My only other question...

This is our first house with a Hardwood Floor in the living room. Is it a good idea to put maybe a piece of carpet or something under it to give it some padding and to help it sit more level?

Tank is in the car so we're going to bring it in now. Maybe it will sit beautifully but knowing my luck....
 
D

DaveK

Spilling water around a SW tamp is a given. Yes, even a modest amount can do a lot of damage to a floor, especially if it's one of these new composite flooring systems that should never get wet.

A carpet will likely be more of a problem than it's worth, since it will retain water.

It's always a tough choice. I have seen some people put tile or stone under the tank area, but that creates a whole set of other problems.
 
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