Protecting hardwood floors

[shellshocked]

Does anyone have experience with a tank on hardwood floors? My question is what can I put under the stand to keep the floor from mildewing or having some discoloration? I don't have any issues with supporting the tank or plumbing etc... I just want to make sure that if I move the tank in a few years that the floor will be fine.

 

[Anonymous]

I've known people to cut sheets of heavy duty plastic that fit exactly under it.

 

[RustySnail]

Plastic can also trap water vapor and moisture beneath it. If the tank is not too big; you might consider mounting the tank stand onto casters; or elevate the stand on blocks so you can keep it dry underneath (should there be a spill).

Hardwood does not respond well at all to SW spilled on it. If SW sits and soaks innto the cracks between boards and grain it will turn the wood dark brown/black.

 

[liquid]

I like Rusty's idea. I had my 38 gal on a hardwood floor for 3 years and I *really* tried to make certain that I didn't have any spills (I ended up having 2-3 over the time frame) and I ended up having to refinish the floor when I moved the tank due to water damage. I wasn't happy.

Shane

 

[kparton]

Plastic can also trap water vapor and moisture beneath it. If the tank is not too big; you might consider mounting the tank stand onto casters; or elevate the stand on blocks so you can keep it dry underneath (should there be a spill).

Hardwood does not respond well at all to SW spilled on it. If SW sits and soaks innto the cracks between boards and grain it will turn the wood dark brown/black.

These are good ideas, but depending ont he size of the tank, I would make sure and not have all the pressure soming down in 4 spots (i.e. four legs or casters). That is, unless, the subfloor is concrete. If the weight is not spread out and not supported by joists underneath, the floor could sage or the tank could probably turn over.

 

[ScottbytheSea]

Give me more I'll Try to help.

Exp. Is tank on floor now, Empty Full or on stand........What size.....

Load can be issue if you don't know what sub floor below wood is......You would be surprised in some older homes....It is usually 3/4 inch ply for code now ...But don't assume theres anything unless you can see it. 8 inch Diaganol barn boards placed with inch apart gaps is quite common in older homes with wood flooring nailed into it.

I've had costumers put large hotel style cookie sheet under pets cages.....also custom fiberglass pans with edges under entire stand unit with over flow in mind.

Have done a custom hard wood frame in and turozzo plastic (like a mini tub when done) that would contain a leak or overflow.not a disater.

Any water on wood eventually leaves stains as it race by the finishes,It is a direct result of mildew....Even a good tight floor with real poly finish(not Water base junk)can not hold it out.

Better off not if your worried as flooring isnt cheap to replace and or refinish. But if you need some more ideas shoot...

ScottbytheSea

 

[shellshocked]

Scott,
I am replacing a 58 gallon rectangular oceanic with a 56 gallon bowfront. We are replacing the carpeting with hardwood floors and since I had to move the original tank I figured why not change things around - so I have moved the 58 gallon to the basement and will be getting the new bowfront in a couple of weeks. All of my sump, all pumps and skimmer will be in the basement. This should minimize spills but there is no way to completely eliminate them. I don't have any problem with floor support (it is on a plywood subfloor with 3/4 inch hardwood and it is well supported below) but putting a 56 gallon tank on castor wheels does not sound like a safe idea. I have moved tanks twice in the past (both on carpet) and both times the carpet under the tank was ruined. I was thinking of putting a piece of carpet on the floor followed by a plastic sheet and then the stand. The key is allowing someway for the floor to breath under the stand. I just hate the thought of investing in new floors without doing everything I can to keep my tank from ruining a section of the floor.

Thanks Shellshocked

 

[RustySnail]

If the tank is not too big; you might consider mounting the tank stand onto casters; or elevate the stand on blocks so you can keep it dry underneath (should there be a spill).

These are good ideas, but depending ont he size of the tank, I would make sure and not have all the pressure soming down in 4 spots (i.e. four legs or casters). That is, unless, the subfloor is concrete. If the weight is not spread out and not supported by joists underneath, the floor could sage or the tank could probably turn over.

Yeah... That's why I stated 'tank not too big'; hinting at small tanks less than 60g or so. If the tank with LR/Sand weighs about 600-700 lbs; there should not be a problem on standard flooring. It equates to 150-175 lbs per 'foot'; not that much of a concentrated load (IMHO). If I were putting feet or casters beneath; I would use 6 - 2 beneath at the center and 2 on each end. Feet attached to the stand would be more stable than casters; but you would be able to move the tank carefully if on wheels. Just suggestions; take it FWIW...

-Russ

 

[buoymarker28]

How old a house are you guys talking about? I've had a 140gal reef upstairs. It was a new house but still it was upstairs.

I'm planning on putting a 125gal reef on hardwoods in a house that is pier and beam and built in 1971. It has your basic 2x6 cross beams and is decked but nothing special...

what does water way per gallon 8lbs a gallon?