The Floor Joist Headache (1 Viewer)

[Reefahholic]

Today I got a 12 foot by 4 by 4. I will take a measurement and cut in the middle cus I want 2 posts. As well I got plastic mounts for the bottom.
Don't want the salt to rot the bottoms and keep them from sliding. I think it is around 6 feet 4 high. I think I can use exterior 2 by 4's to build it up a bit at the top or base but not both. If not something pressure treated.

There you go! Take some pictures and keep us updated.

 

[Tangs]

Ok it is a real mess down there. I am in the process of dismantling a 20 foot by 20 model railway.

 

[Tangs]

The plastic bases do not even fit the 4 by 4. ..too small... I might be able to slash them on with a hammer but for the price I payed why smash them

 

[Tangs]

But at least the joist is dry. It was my idea to add insulation between the basement and main floor. It makes the bingalo much easier to keep warm.Lot less drafty. I am 3 inches short so will see what I can get to build it up

 

[Tangs]

This is what I am dealing with a 125 us gallon aquarium. Plus the weight of the stand. I did not scrimp on wood with the stand.

 

[Reefahholic]

The plastic bases do not even fit the 4 by 4. ..too small... I might be able to slash them on with a hammer but for the price I payed why smash them

Bring them back and get something that fits. Exchange them.

 

[Tangs]

Ya I did bring them back...I am just going to use pressure treated wood at this point. I will be making another wood cut today for the base. Onward and forward.

 

[Tangs]

Today I made by cutting in two. Two 5.5 inch by 1.5 inch by 4 feet pressure treated boards. I need an extra 3 inches to the 4 by 4s so this might do it. I could have a night mare situation here. What if I have to wedge in the 4 by 4s. ...next day see that the joist has split. I think I am not going to wedge it in....ya

 

[Tangs]

I us gallon of salt water weighs 8.556 pounds. I have 125 us gallon aquarium so that is 1069.5 pounds. Plus I have lots of live rock which I assume is heavier than salt water. But will also decrease the volume of water a bit. Plus the weight of the cabinet. It is very solid... I did not scrimp on amount of wood when I built it 23 years ago.

 

[Tangs]

Got er done. It should of been done July of 1997 ... I have been retired for 8 months now so project catch up time... I still want to install 4... 90 degree metal supports. For the 4 inside corners of the square. They do not have to be the biggest... Medium ones will do from hd. They are wedged in just a weee bit... Adjusted with a rubber hammer. Yaaaaa

 

[Reefahholic]

Got er done. It should of been done July of 1997 ... I have been retired for 8 months now so project catch up time... I still want to install 4... 90 degree metal supports. For the 4 inside corners of the square. They do not have to be the biggest... Medium ones will do from hd. They are wedged in just a weee bit... Adjusted with a rubber hammer. Yaaaaa

Looks great man. Can’t beat extra support for peace of mind!

 

[Tangs]

Today I went to hd and got 3 inch metal brackets 90 degrees. Along with the proper wood screws. They were a bugger to get started as I wanted to do the joists first. After a few minutes of seeing the damage I was doing to the joist just to get the screw started I decided on plan B. I do not want to destroy the joist. S o instead I dismantled and applied a strong construction glue. I have used this glue for many years... It is strong enough to glue bricks to my house it is that strong. I might just screw the 3 inch metal 90 degreers into the 4 by 4s and just glue to the joist in a few days...ya

 

[Tangs]

Peace of mind is much better than mind being crushed onto pieces.

 

[RickD]

Rip up the carpet and pad or start drilling holes in your floors to confirm joist locations!!!

I know it's an older post, but I've used and endoscope (link) in the past just to give me a start. Drill a small hole on one end then use that to get an idea how the joists are running.

Not sure how it would hold in saltwater, but it is water proof and small enough that I though about using it to see what how my pistol and goby designed their home.

 

[Tangs]

Took a look at the project yesterday morning. It looks good and no need to add metal 90 degree metal supports. If I was in an earthquake zone or children play area I would. Great Lakes region is mostly sand and clay which really absorbes earthquake shaking from many miles away. I added very adhesive glue to every contact area. Including where the boards touch the basement floor.

 

[Reefahholic]

Took a look at the project yesterday morning. It looks good and no need to add metal 90 degree metal supports. If I was in an earthquake zone or children play area I would. Great Lakes region is mostly sand and clay which really absorbes earthquake shaking from many miles away. I added very adhesive glue to every contact area. Including where the boards touch the basement floor.

Sounds like you’re good to go!

 

[Tangs]

This stuff is awesome if it is available in your area.

 

[Reefahholic]

This stuff is awesome if it is available in your area.

Looks like this stuff we call Liquid Nails down here.

 

[Tangs]

We have liquid nails up here. This stuff is much stronger

 

[Tangs]

See the last bottom corner brick. It is just glued there with that glue. I glued it there 18 years ago with no issuse. The corner brick above it is screwed into the siding of the house. I am pretty sure yous have something similar down yonder.