do i need to brace the floor??

If its 30 years old it is probably well built, building materials were cheap back then and they didn't skimp like they do today. One question, is there a wall on the floor below the one you are placing the tank somewhat near where you want it? sorry I know that sounds awkward, hope it makes sense.

But I would say you are fine with a 55, providing you aren't putting a 75 gallon sump beside it lol.

 

its a one story house. there is a wall right behind where i want it. if thats what you mean.

 

75 gal sump wasnt big enough. i was thinking 125 gal.

 

I think we are getting carried away if you only want a 55, but is it on a pad or does it have a crawl space, if it does it is really easy to brace the floor if need be and if its on a pad, then go nuts you can't hurt it.

 

If its a one story house then the foundation is beneath it unless you have a basement so you are fine the main thing is make SURE the tank is level after about 25% full. It can shift if you just leveled it in the beginning sitting dry and 25% is not to haevy to carefully prop and shim. (Speaking from experience) Also you should get a piece of foam or rubber the size of the footprint of your tank to put between the tank and stand this will help with slight shifts but def try to get it as level as possible with shims

 

it has a crawl space. as long as you think it would be ok then im sure it will be.

 

I live in an apartment and on the second floor i have my 125 in my apt all i got is hardwood floors yea tanks weigh alot but got to remember the weight is dispersed i biult my own stand out of 2x4's so the weight is even and dispersed if you have a stand with 4 posts then i would worry before my 125 i had a 75-55-40 in my living room first then down graded to the 125...All in all i think your good.My dad lives in a old old house and he has my ol 75 gal in the living room he put down 2 pieces of plywood double stack both half inch to make a inch thats the easiest way and works great instead of floor jacks or whatever good luck tou you...............Rocky

 

If you have a crawl space personally then its better to be safe then sorry. I had a 55 many years ago when I rented and you could watch the top of the water move when you walked by it. I have my floor re enforced for my 220 of course its much larger and heavier but if I bought 50 in materials to do this in my crawl space id be supprised. Its probally safe not to but heck if its that easy why not?

 

i was worried about this also. i have a 55 gallon reef(with alot of heavy liverock) and a ten gallon refugium. as long as its not a super old home and its built to code, your tank being 4 foot will span across 4 joistes in your floor so the weight is distributed.

 

I would not worry one bit about a tank of that size in a house only 30 years old.

You won't need to brace any flooring at all.