floor beams in a townhome.

[twofronts]

Does anyone her know how can I find out how beam of my townhome go. I have an 180 6 foot tank set up on the 1st floor of my townhome which is really my 2nd floor due the garage being under. I have ask several members on other boards about setting up a 8 foot tank. My theory is that it should be supported by extra beams to support the added weight but just wanted to ask around here before setting up. Just wanted some insight from some member in houston. Our complex was built mid-early 80" I beleive dont hold me to that. I do notice when i jump around in the room where the 180 is it is all solid nothing move no water waves.

[Delock]

Re: floor beams in a townhome.

Does anyone her know how can I find out how beam of my townhome go. I have an 180 6 foot tank set up on the 1st floor of my townhome which is really my 2nd floor due the garage being under. I have ask several members on other boards about setting up a 8 foot tank. My theory is that it should be supported by extra beams to support the added weight but just wanted to ask around here before setting up. Just wanted some insight from some member in houston. Our complex was built mid-early 80" I beleive dont hold me to that. I do notice when i jump around in the room where the 180 is it is all solid nothing move no water waves.

Do you have carpet? Pull it back and you should see the beams

[twofronts]

Re: floor beams in a townhome.

I do have carpet but the only place that looks like it is coming up in behind the 180, I will have to find another way.
thx though

[Philistine]

Re: floor beams in a townhome.

I never really worried about tank weight, but again, I never had a 180 G set up on a pier/beam foundation or on a second floor.

The biggest I ever went was a 90G on a pier/beam foundation (Heights).

You have to figure that a filled 180 gallong weighs about 2100 pounds  8O

[Mzungu]

Re: floor beams in a townhome.

So, let me see...your question is how to find out which way the floor beams are positioned in order to add some more? Or are you wondering if you SHOULD add more? Just trying to understand... :)

[PhishPhreek]

Re: floor beams in a townhome.

Hardware stores sell a device they call a "stud finder"

basicly a magnet on a swivel.
When you pass it over the nails or screws that hold the surface to the stud (or beam) it wiggles.  Find 2 or three nails in a row and you have located the beam.  Usually the beams run on 2 load bearing walls and if all 4 are load bearing walls, the beams will run the shortest distance.   Find 2 beams side by side and you have their spacing - usually 16" on center / sometimes 24" on center.   You will need to know the dimensions of the beams to calculate their "load rating"

Or you can call the city building inspector and ask about the building code for the year your place was built......

or if you're feeling really lucky, contact the builder and ask what his standards are.

[twofronts]

Re: floor beams in a townhome.

phishphreek you hit the nail on the head with that one. I had never thought about the using a stud finder i beleive my brother has one. I will ge ahold of his and try it out. But yea i figured if the floor can hold an 180 6foot it should hold an 8footer, added support by the extra beams. I could be wrong.