Safe flooring

[1fastneonrt]

I just picked up a nice 75 gallon aquarium and stand for next to nothing. I have been pondering on where to set up the tank but I am not getting any where. My problem is that the flooring in my house is floating laminate wood flooring and I am not sure if that type of flooring can handle that much weight. Structurally the the house and joist can handle it but am not sure on the flooring material. Is there any one that has their aquarium on a floating floor? Are there any problems?

[Sharon]

The type of flooring should not matter...it's the structure underneath that counts.:ssmile:

[DrNic]

I've heard of this problem before. Floating laminante isn't always designed to maintain that much weight for a long period of time. There is the possibility of leaving a 'dent' in the floor or even cracking it a little.

If you know the brand flooring you have you should check with them, or the people at the hardware store to see what the load capacity for the flooring is.

[Northernguy]

I have seen many tanks set up an laminant flooring.
If you are really worried about it place a sheet of plywood under your tank stand.It will help to distribute the weight more evenly.Your floor will be fine!

[jaysee]

Great idea! The larger the plywood base the better, as it will distribute the weight over a larger surface area, reducing the pressure on any one given spot.

I wouldn't set the tank up in the middle of the room, though.

[PostalPenguin]

A plywood sheet will need to be at least 1/2" otherwise it will flex under the weight and not spread the weight out all that much.

[jaysee]

Good point. Perhaps actual wood would be best.

[Northernguy]

Plywood is your best choice! 1/2" or better.
You should be able to buy a half sheet.cut it in half again and double up on it if neccesary.

[1fastneonrt]

Hey I like the plywood idea, your right it would give the stand a bigger foot print and distribute the weight better. Kinda like a snowshoe in the snow. I think I have some 1/2 inch oak ply somewhere.

[jaysee]

Is that your car - neon r/t? That is a fast car. There's a hooked up one here on the island that I've raced a couple of times...lost a couple of times. I have a subaru outback xt, which has the wrx sti motor in it and a 5 speed. With cars in my class, there aren't many that beat me. I think if my car didn't weigh almost 4000 lbs, I could take the neon. That's a bada** little car though, and if I had to trade in my stationwagon for a car I would definately take one for a test drive.

[1fastneonrt]

Is that your car - neon r/t? That is a fast car. There's a hooked up one here on the island that I've raced a couple of times...lost a couple of times. I have a subaru outback xt, which has the wrx sti motor in it and a 5 speed. With cars in my class, there aren't many that beat me. I think if my car didn't weigh almost 4000 lbs, I could take the neon. That's a bada** little car though, and if I had to trade in my stationwagon for a car I would definately take one for a test drive.

Ah, glad you are interested there jaysee. Yes that is my car and well, it is a quick little machine. Making cars go fast is my main hobby and aquariums are my second. The car is currently getting ready for the race motor and I am expecting mid 12's on the 1/4 mile. I know when it comes to the WRX STi's around here they are a force to be reckon with. Another fun toy is the 10sec. SRT-4; I use that one to beat up on the V-8 guys at the track hehehe.

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