Tavel

not true, the tank is a static load and will slowly deform the wood...it may deform it so much that it fractures at some random time in the future.

however, there is good news Amanda! You don't need jacks, that's for lifting an existing load to remove stress and deformation. Since it's empty (or could be easily emptied) the floor is not yet deformed from the stress!

You can simply wedge several 2x4's under the floor joists. But it must be done before the tank is filled, otherwise you're not relieving any strain ;-D

This is actually how contractors brace support structures for renovations or repairs. They jack the load up, then insert 2x4's and remove the jack. The jack isn't actually designed to support the load for any length of time and could fail in the future.

EDIT: Oh yeah...the real topic! No, not feeling a pinch. The tanks are all established and there's not really much to buy except food and filter media. All of your big purchases are really one-time only things. Once you have them, that's it!

And fortunately, I'm raking in the money lately. I'm guaranteed a minimum of $170 per week by union rules...so that's what we budget for. But I've been bringing home $220-$240 every week!!! The extra cash is mostly going into savings...but we are doing a few "fun" things with it =D

Nick G

True, if the tank was going to sit on a floor with no support underneath it other than the joists. But putting the tank directly on a supporting wall will be fine.

scatty

I hear you on the financial strain! I'm a single mum with a mortgage and the usual costs of living, and less hours of work than I've ever had! We just have to hang in there and know it will get better with time.

Annadvn

I agree with the weight issue with the tanks, i wouldn't worry about the weight if its going right next to a load bearing wall.

Also why bother with gravel right now, why not go bare bottom for a while and add gravel later when you have some spare money?

Anna

aquarist48

Best wishes Amanda!
Ken

bolivianbaby

I kind of like the bare bottom thought, especially if you're going to have two oscars in that tank. That might make clean-up easier, especially since they're such high waste producers.

Regardless of what you decide to do on this tank, we're behind you and here to help and brainstorm any way we can

Lucy

About the gravel. I got plain old pea gravel for my 30g. I think I paid around $3.00 for a 50lb bag.
Amanda, I hope everything works out for you. Money is tight all over and unfortunately it's the extracurricular things that take the hit.
Hang in there, it will get better.

Shawnie

great responses..I like it when everyone comes to a members aide..even if just to support our lil obsessions

Amanda

Lucy - that's actually what I was planning on using, pea gravel. I like the natural look. Where did you get it?

jdhef

Amanda, point out to your mother that your bath tub probably holds about the same amount* of water as your aquarium (and the weight of a person) and that doesn't have jacks under it.

*I believe a bathtub holds about 42 gallons

jgon_

Yeah, money is tight. I barely break even every month but I don't mind spending the money on fishkeeping. Well, I feel guilty about spending as much as I do but honestly, if I didn't have this hobby, I'd probably go mad.

Slug

If you want a change, you could always go to Lowes or Home Depot and get a 50lb bag of play sand for about $5....very good deal there.

I do plan to drop an ungodly amount (probably to most here but small amount in reality for the species) for discus when i get back.