Tank on second floor?

[daharley]

Want some thoughts on putting a 120 gallon on the second floor of a split foyer built in 1978? 2x8's going perpindicular to tank next to stair well. Apr 5 ft from front wall of the house 12-14 ft room. 60x18x26

Edited January 28, 2011 by daharley

[LanglandJoshua]

I am no carpenter, but I faced a similar issue when I set up my 75. I didnt do it becuase we were worried that spills, and just the massive weight of the water would mess up the floors. I would not suggest it. I had a 20 gallon in my room for a while and ocassionally water would spill...if enough of it goes, there is no stoping it from getting at ANYTHING bellow it. The water will find a way through the floor, and into the rooms bellow. I think it is just safer, and best to have it either on ground floor, or in a basement.

Edited January 28, 2011 by LanglandJoshua

[Dragon Eye]

Is the stairwell wall a load bearing wall? If it was an exterior wall it sounds like you'd be good to go, but not so sure about the stairwell.

 

I'll second the "anything that's downstairs won't be a total loss if wet" For instance if your big screen tv is right below it- Don't even think of putting the tank there.

Edited January 28, 2011 by Dragon Eye

[FearTheTerps]

I would think you should be ok. If it's close to the stairs the structure is probably a little beefier there. A 120 would weigh around 1200 pounds or so, 3 large guys sitting on a coach would weigh slightly less then that, and you won't worry about them falling through the floor.