Some older homes used 2x6 for joists but these are less common the norm is from 2x8 to 2x12. Also if they are running in the same direction of the length of the tank you might get a bounce.
I found someone to take a look this weekend. Thanks all!
Some older homes used 2x6 for joists but these are less common the norm is from 2x8 to 2x12. Also if they are running in the same direction of the length of the tank you might get a bounce.
Last edited by Charlyc11; 01-13-2022 at 03:30 PM.
The bounce is real and really terrifying.
First of all i would check out the size and direction of the floor joists. Direction is important in that their 16" apart and if they run opposite direction of tank you would have more than enough support for the tank. How deep is the crawl space? Can you get under there? It's really a diy job to add some concrete blocks and adjustable jack posts. Also is the stand anchored to the wall? This may stop the shaking. Floors can support thousands of pounds It's not going to collapse. Edit to add make sure the joists look good [no cracks or warping]. Also check there not compromised by having sections cut out of them [usually done under bathrooms for plumbing runs].
Last edited by jpm995; 01-13-2022 at 07:00 PM.
Another thing to consider is if the tanks against an outside wall. Thats on the foundation and will be the strongest part of the house. I want to restate to op the importance of strapping the tank stand to the wall. If children are running around the house and have an accident tanks can tip. IKEA furniture has a policy of including restraining straps on kids furniture for this reason.
If you ever need to knew the weight you can use this. https://www.hamzasreef.com/Contents/...TankWeight.php Or this one. http://reef.diesyst.com/volcalc/volcalc.html
Depending on your new situation you could also check with neighbors or co-workers for recommendations. If the estimates are too costly take pictures and the DIYers can give more specific recommendations prior to your deciding to move the tank. I set up 2 150 gal with sumps on either side of my first floor family room sitting on 2 x 12 joists above a full basement perpendicular to the span of the joists. I doubled every joist underneath the tanks as each tank weighs about 1 ton. I also added joist blocking (perpendicular supports) to tie all of the joists together. For fun I filled 1 tank temporarily prior to adding support and the trampoline effect was impressively worrisome. Other than slight ripples that is gone now. Take home is that depending on your construction and crawl space access fixing this could be fairly easy, fairly hard, or nearly impossible. If you can get a contractor to fix at reasonable cost, great. If not, send pictures.
Thanks everyone, will do. Will have someone check it out this weekend and get an estimate. He's done work for me before and is good quality.