Structural Engineer Needed - Large tank build

[philciccone]

Can anyone recommend a structural engineer who has experience or a specialty in large aquarium builds? I would like to figure out weight limits and/or what structural improvements can be made to increase current 'xxxx' weight limits.

 

[mcphock]

Count me in on this question as well.

 

[sn4k33y3z]

I think before you try and get into load calculations, it's better that you help me realize what size of a tank are we talking about?

 

[mcphock]

For me, it would a Stand, Canopy and 180 on the first floor. Life support in the basement, plumbed up to the tank.

 

[philciccone]

Sn4k33y3z;989654 wrote: I think before you try and get into load calculations, it's better that you help me realize what size of a tank are we talking about?

Unknown. That's the reason for the need of this. I have plenty of room, it's a matter of weight before size. The answer is, largest possible before major structural modifications required.

 

[mcphock]

philciccone;989656 wrote: Unknown. That's the reason for the need of this. I have plenty of room, it's a matter of weight before size. The answer is, largest possible before major structural modifications required.

Perhaps it would make sense to just inquire about standard build sizes.... 120, 180, 210, etc

 

[philciccone]

McPhock;989655 wrote: For me, it would a Stand, Canopy and 180 on the first floor. Life support in the basement, plumbed up to the tank.

I have a 180 gallon in my bedroom, it's across several joists. I see no problems with it, other than making the bad assumption the floor was level before we installed it... It's been here for 2 or 3 years now. That does not mean it's OK for everyone, so your question is very valid.

 

[philciccone]

McPhock;989660 wrote: Perhaps it would make sense to just inquire about standard build sizes.... 120, 180, 210, etc

Yes certainly will, I am going to assume 10lbs/gallon for added rock, salt and substrate weight. The room is very large, and we have a steel I-beams holding the room up. So an engineer will have to take allot into consideration. Location, direction of tank, floor type, etc. We are about to remodel, so options are on the table for placement. The tank will be part of the remodel.

PS - I am hoping for upwards to 500 gallons. I will settle, however, wherever we need to balancing costs vs. weight.

 

[mcphock]

philciccone;989661 wrote: I have a 180 gallon in my bedroom, it's across several joists. I see no problems with it, other than making the bad assumption the floor was level before we installed it... It's been here for 2 or 3 years now. That does not mean it's OK for everyone, so your question is very valid.

In my mind, having no experience or knowledge of any of this, 180 is the biggest size before **** gets real.

 

[philciccone]

McPhock;989664 wrote: In my mind, having no experience or knowledge of any of this, 180 is the biggest size before **** gets real.

Very much agree. It could be less if it's an older house, bad joists, poor construction, etc. I am no expert, but I believe the orientation of how the tank sits has an impact as well. If it's against the direction of the joists the tank is distributing weight across more areas then if it was sitting on only one or two.

 

[mikesmith34]

500 gallons!!! I like ur style bro

 

[sn4k33y3z]

philciccone;989656 wrote: Unknown. That's the reason for the need of this. I have plenty of room, it's a matter of weight before size. The answer is, largest possible before major structural modifications required.

Technically it's a matter of structure . Are we speaking in residential or commercial structural terms?

 

[sn4k33y3z]

The short of it guys is this. No two structures are built the same period. I cannot provide specifics without specifics... First off I do not have a degree is structural engineering. However, I do have experience in structural constructing (say that ten times lol) and I'm also capable of load calculations (to a degree).

To the OP, first help me realize the structure you have in mind.

 

[tonymission]

Sn4k33y3z;989771 wrote: The short of it guys is this. No two structures are built the same period. I cannot provide specifics without specifics... First off I do not have a degree is structural engineering. However, I do have experience in structural constructing (say that ten times lol) and I'm also capable of load calculations (to a degree).

To the OP, first help me realize the structure you have in mind.

I need you to come over...

 

[sn4k33y3z]

Tony I would be glad to help.