1. Do you have an old account but can't access it?


    See Accessing your GIRS Account or Contact Us - We are here to help!

Marc`s 120g build from A to Z

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Marco, Feb 8, 2012.

  1. Marco

    Marco Inactive User

    74
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Today I climbed under the floor to examine the joists and see if they would need bracing to hold the load of the new tank.  (sighs) I don't know what they were thinking, near as I can tell my present kitchen and bathroom were not original parts of the house as they have steel I beam supports every 5 feet on center starting at a triple stacked 2" X 10" support (where the foundation wall used to be.). There is a main support beam which is also triple stacked 2" x 10" it's located 5 feet off the front wall of the house, the joists are only 2" x 6". I should mention that my current tank which is being replaced by the new tank is located on the front wall between  that 5 foot span . I have a few options open to me at this point I will decide and include pics of everything I do and post them here.
    Left side looking right.[​IMG]
    Right side looking left.[​IMG]
    Center from main support looking at wall.[​IMG]
     
  2. Sponge Expert Reefkeeper Vendor

    Marshalltown, IA
    Ratings:
    +233 / 1 / -0
    It's always interesting to find out how contractors build on...Not! At least they used steel :=0) Will be following along on your journey!
     
  3. Sponge Expert Reefkeeper Vendor

    Marshalltown, IA
    Ratings:
    +233 / 1 / -0
    It's always interesting to find out how contractors build on...Not! At least they used steel :=0) Will be following along on your journey!
     
  4. Marco

    Marco Inactive User

    74
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Update: The supplies to add support to the joists are here ( Two 12 x 8 x 12 deck blocks, six 2 x 4 x 8 framing studs and 1 lb 16D framing nails ) I am going with nails and not screws because I didn't like any of the screws they had which were decking and drywall, not a huge selection during winter I guess. I also went with 2x4's because there is a main support beam five feet from the wall so this is just extra support, I think the five foot span can hold the weight of the tank which spans over 3 joists and this is just precautionary measure to stiffen the overall five feet. I am off to bed as work was long last night and it ended with a physical *Cough* The joist support work begins tomorrow I will upload some more pictures as I know this type of work seems to come up a lot in this hobby and just a little background I worked in structural steel as a welder for 11 years so I am not doing this blindly.
     
  5. Marco

    Marco Inactive User

    74
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    The cat decided it was time for me to get up, so I got the deck block installed and leveled ready for the beams. The span of the tank is over 3 joists so I placed base supports at joists 1 and 5 ( one joist extra to left and right of where the tank is going.)

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  6. Marco

    Marco Inactive User

    74
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    One more stud and it will be Done, not thinking I need and X bracing.



    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  7. Sponge Expert Reefkeeper Vendor

    Marshalltown, IA
    Ratings:
    +233 / 1 / -0
    Looks good :=0) Sorry about the (Cough) physical! LOL! That's always fun...not!
     
  8. Marco

    Marco Inactive User

    74
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Update: the joist shoring is now done ( no pic) as I was under there I also had to repair an HVAC insulation tube that fell off a floor register and there were a ton of spiders. Use imagination and add one beam on the left side of the last picture /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/tongue.gif all the tacing nails were removed and replaced with 3½ inch wood screws Next order of business is the tank stand, which I am waiting to hear back about the specs of the tank. I have looked around and I have found 3 or 4 measurements all different for the same tank so I am wanting solid numbers before construction can continue. The stock list of wood on hand for the tank stand is two 4 x 4 x 6 and six 2 x 4 x 8 for the framework which I am excited about seeing I won't have as limited space to work as the joists, no spiders and no sand!

    recapping where I am at on the big picture.
    Joist support - Completed
    Tank stand - in progress

    Tank shopping check list
    1.760w lights - Ordered ( will arrive Monday )
    2.Power heads 2x 1300 gph - Ordered (will arrive Monday)
    3.Protein Skimmer - Ordered ( will arrive Monday)
    4. Sump - Not Ordered yet.
    5.Substrate 120 lbs - Ordered ( will arrive by Friday, god have mercy on that poor soul who carries it to my door!)
    6.950 gph Water pump - Ordered (Will arrive by Friday)
    7. 120 gal. tank - Not ordered yet.

    Pictures to follow as more work begins and Items arrive.
     
  9. Sponge Expert Reefkeeper Vendor

    Marshalltown, IA
    Ratings:
    +233 / 1 / -0
    I had noticed sand but no footprints...playing?! lol
     
  10. Marco

    Marco Inactive User

    74
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    I re did the slope to direct any water leaks to the center used a 2x4 think I did a pretty good job lol
     
  11. Marco

    Marco Inactive User

    74
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Everything has arrived lights, wavemaker pumps and protein skimmer came on Monday. Return pump and live sand came today..... it looks like a UPS truck exploded in my living room. Not sure if this matters but my live sand was partially frozen and 1 bag was frozen solid anyone know if this impacts anything?
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.