Hi everyone,
Ok, I'm new to the group and the hobby, so if this isn't the right place for this post - please let me know and I'll move it (delete/repost).
I was originally going to go with a 150 gallon Marineland Deep Dimension, but have had second thoughts and decided to just go the 300 gallon version. I need to hire a structural engineer or someone who's sound in floor capacity when dealing with large tanks and the appropriate supporting needed to carry this huge weight. I've called 3 different Architecture/Engineering/Building firms to see if I could get someone to come advise me on my structure, but in ever circumstance was told that they don't do jobs that small. Obviously, given the weight involved, I don't want to just hire some guy off of Craigslist, but a professional who knows what he/she is talking about. Has anyone in this forum needed such expertise and could recommend someone to me? Or by chance is there a structural engineer amongst us? Please let me know since I don't want to spend money on the tank only to find out that my floor needs $5k worth of work to be able to support the weight. If there is a builder, carpenter, ect that has assessed this kind of requirement in the past, I'd be interested to talk to you as well.
Some of the specifics are - I live in a two story house with a basement. The only wall that I have (or want) to put this tank would leave the tank running parallel with the floor joists. I will be putting the tank on the first floor (with open basement area underneath). I'm pretty sure the wall is a load bearing wall - but I'm not an expert. The tank fully stocked will be around 3500lbs. The tank and stand is 72" long by 36" deep. I estimate that those dimensions equate to around 195lbs per square foot. Lastly (not sure if this is important) the basement has concrete floors.
Thanks - Zach
Ok, I'm new to the group and the hobby, so if this isn't the right place for this post - please let me know and I'll move it (delete/repost).
I was originally going to go with a 150 gallon Marineland Deep Dimension, but have had second thoughts and decided to just go the 300 gallon version. I need to hire a structural engineer or someone who's sound in floor capacity when dealing with large tanks and the appropriate supporting needed to carry this huge weight. I've called 3 different Architecture/Engineering/Building firms to see if I could get someone to come advise me on my structure, but in ever circumstance was told that they don't do jobs that small. Obviously, given the weight involved, I don't want to just hire some guy off of Craigslist, but a professional who knows what he/she is talking about. Has anyone in this forum needed such expertise and could recommend someone to me? Or by chance is there a structural engineer amongst us? Please let me know since I don't want to spend money on the tank only to find out that my floor needs $5k worth of work to be able to support the weight. If there is a builder, carpenter, ect that has assessed this kind of requirement in the past, I'd be interested to talk to you as well.
Some of the specifics are - I live in a two story house with a basement. The only wall that I have (or want) to put this tank would leave the tank running parallel with the floor joists. I will be putting the tank on the first floor (with open basement area underneath). I'm pretty sure the wall is a load bearing wall - but I'm not an expert. The tank fully stocked will be around 3500lbs. The tank and stand is 72" long by 36" deep. I estimate that those dimensions equate to around 195lbs per square foot. Lastly (not sure if this is important) the basement has concrete floors.
Thanks - Zach