To new tank or not?

[jahel318]

Okay, so I'm thinking of upgrading from my 44 to a 100 gal tank. The problem is my townhouse has a crawl space under the main floor and my landlord doesn't know how much weight the 1st floor can hold. What's the best way to find out the max weight capacity? Who can determine this?

 

[Aquarian]

A structural engineer can run the numbers for you but that's not cheep.
There is some info, but its a long boring read. So most don't get through it or even understand it.
http://www.african-cichlid.com/Structure.htm

 

[Sidekick41]

There are alot of factors which affect the answer to your question.

1) Are the boards 2X8, 2x10, ect...
2) If you are right next to an exterior wall the more the floor will suppot since it's closer to the foundaton.
3) The closer to the middle of he house the less it will handle.

You can always get under the house and install supports below te place where you are going to put the fish tank but either way you have to be careful and research, research....

 

[Aquarian]

There are a vast number of factors that affect the strength of a floor a 2 x 10 does not mean its stronger than a 2x8. An exterior bearing wall is not always stronger than a interior bearing wall. There is no short answer to your question. Feel free to pm me with any questions you may have. You should take the time to read the link I posted its the best written explanation of how wood framed floors work that I have found.