At what point do I start to worry?

[andresont]

Originally Posted by Alterego

I am looking at setting up my first salt water aquarium and plan on starting with a big aquarium but adding things gradually. But how big is too big for the main floor of my half duplex (weight wise). I'm just not sure about what size of aquarium you start looking at the structural aspects. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Brendan

Good thing to do if you are not sure about your floor and wall structural integrity is to put a large plywood plate under your tank.Make it a foot wider and foot longer then your tank, this will spread the load.
Protect it with oil based or even better marine paint make a few coats because you will spill water on it as soon as you start working with live rock.
Another option is to cover plywood with laminate, if you go this way make sure you test laminate by submerging small peice in salt water you will see right away wich one is good for your purpose .
Also if you go with laminate make sure that you put a lot of glue in the lock even though they tell you that new laminate does not need glue, beleve me you will be glad that you did seal it.