55 gallon aquarium on the 3rd floor.

Does anyone see a problem with it? I do not think it will be a problem, big I would like yo hear from others.

 

how old is the place and wood floors or concrete?

 

I would not worry about a 55 gallon, you should be fine. once you get over 55 you need to worry - the tanks start to get thicker glass, more water, etc. and the weight gets exponentially heavier.

 

If I had to guess, I would say it's fairly modern. I am not certain, but most likely wood.

 

My father, who works in construction, says he believes it will be fine. He says these buildings are build to withstand much more weight (maybe upwards 2-3) than that tank will deliver over a square foot.

 

Make sure you place it perpendicular to the floor supports. As long as you do that, you'll be fine

 

How would I find them?

 

blue prints, x-ray vision, those sorts of things.

There are some clues - like looking where the load bearing walls are and which way they'd need to run for that.

To find my studs (vertical) I use a rare earth magnet to find the nails and go from there. That might work for joists too.

Third floor of a wood frame house... I think folks are being a bit nice jumping to it being fine. It probably *is* but I wouldn't say it having never seen it. I'm not an expert but I'm not sure the architect had 1000+ lbs over a relatively small <8 sq ft spot in mind when designing what may be nothing more than an attic build out (I dunno) which would not be designed for such load bearing.

Having said that, perpendicular to the joists is a must as stated, ideally directly over a load bearing wall beneath it, barring that, close to an outside wall. Note, a wall under it does not necessarily mean it is load bearing.

 

no offense to anyone on the site , bur if someone in construction says it will be fine I would trust them more then some reefers

 

"someone in construction" eh?