14 replies to this topic

[Gaz66]

I need a bit of weight bearing advice if anyone can help.
We are thinking of getting an aquarium which will be 180 litres. This will sit on top of the substantial sideboard we already have.
So, with the weight of the water, tank, sideboard and contents I've guesstimated around 250kg all in.
This is going up against a wall on a newly built floor which is chipboard across joists which from memory are either 8"X2" or 10"X2"
Will the floor take this weight?

[Quinlan minor]

Is the sideboard on feet?

[Gaz66]

Yes, four of them but I was thinking of adding two more in the middle.
Ahh, I see where your going with this. I'd never thought of the localised stress on the feet.

Edited by Gaz66, 18 June 2025 - 03:22 PM.

[DeadSquare]

If the joist are at right angle to the wall, and let into the wall, not on hangers, that weight against the wall should be ok

Edited by DeadSquare, 18 June 2025 - 03:25 PM.

[Gaz66]

If the joist are let into the wall, not on hangers, that weight against the wall should be ok

Yes, they are in the wall.

[stuart bowes]

Im not a builder but the thought occurs to me to line up the legs with the joists instead of between the joists.  you may already be assuming that but it's not been said

[Gaz66]

Im not a builder but the thought occurs to me to line up the legs with the joists instead of between the joists. you may already be assuming that but it's not been said

I would try and do that but.....
Over the chipboard is 6mm ply and lvt flooring so can't actually see where the joists are anymore.

[stuart bowes]

ah I see, I thought it was just the chipboard which isn't that great for strength, that's all, but with the ply and other layer as well you may well be fine

[Gaz66]

As the sideboard is on 2"x2" legs roughly 4" tall I could build up with wood underneath at the back near the wall and it wouldn't be seen but couldn't at the front.

[stuart bowes]

you could triangulate backwards, from the outer edge of the self down to the wall near floor level, that would take strain off the front legs

 

if it even needs it, I'm not saying it does necessarily

[Shooter63]

You don't need a builder you need an engineer, even the floors in new build houses which are rubbish are designed to contain 2.5kn m2, older properties have a lot higher live load rating.

Shooter

[Ethel]

Google says that's about a bathful, not aware of bathrooms having more substantial floors. Alternatively 3 ten stone bods sat on a settee would create a higher load.

[mab01uk]

BuildHub (linked below) is a really good friendly forum for any DIY Building related questions, research, etc.

https://forum.buildhub.org.uk/

 

[Quinlan minor]

Yes, four of them but I was thinking of adding two more in the middle.
Ahh, I see where your going with this. I'd never thought of the localised stress on the feet.

If the feet are in the middle of the gap between joists, and it's good quality 22mm chipboard, you should be OK.

Unless the chipboard gets damp but, underneath an aquarium, what are the chances of that happening?

[Shooter63]

This is my old marine aquarium, unless you have something this size and it went well over 1/2 tonne and as long as you have a spread load, you will be fine.

Shooter

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