Aquarium- What would any of you reccomend to be the maximum amouunt of gallons/litres for an aquarium upstairs

Question

I need an absolute maximum amount of litres or gallons that you would say an upstairs aquarium could hold. Please by at the absolute most, be easy but give a safe amount. Thanks

Answer 1

I wouldn't go over a 55 gallon personally. I would also suggest you place it so that it's crossing over several floor joists and not running parallel to them. Usually the joists frun from the front to back of the house. Placing it against an outside wall is also a good idea.

MM

Answer 2

From a structural engineers point of view....the best location is directly over top of a bearing wall or a column. Aquariums up to 55 gallons can be placed almost anywhere without much worry at all. Many tanks larger than 55 gallons and no more than 125 gallons will be okay, if they are placed in a good structural location and your floor framing is free from significant defects. For example, a 125 gallon tank, on a wooden stand, placed perpendicular to the joists up against a bearing wall, will often be okay without any additional structural support. If your tank is over 125 gallons, then it is likely that you should consider adding supports under your wood framed floor. Please realize that these are generalities that may or may not apply to your particular situation.

Answer 3

The only way you can know for sure is to get someone knowledgeable in construction and weightbearing capacity of your floor.

If you have access to the underside of the floor, access to a stud finder, or plans to your house, I would try to see how far apart your joists are, what size they are (2 x ?), and which way they run. This will make a BIG difference in what you can use.

The weight would be the weight of the tank, plus figure about 10 lbs per gallon of tank capacity (the weight of the water is a little more than 8 lbs. per gallon itself, plus you'll have gravel, decorations, tank equipment, etc.), plus the weight of the stand/furniture it would sit on. You can hold more weight if the tank spans several joists so it spreads out the weight.

I'd think a 55 or 75 would be safe. If you can find the info I suggested, maybe you could repost your question in the Engineering or Home & Garden section and someone could help you figure the maximum weight your floor could hold.

Answer 4

<75

Answer 5

That all depends on the size tank you want. As long as you follow the directions for the tank and don't put more in it than recommended it's safe for any room in your house.

:)

Answer 6

i have a 29 gallon and couldn't be happier