As with everything, there can be an exception to the rule. I must tell you the only exception I have seen is steel constuction, commercial buildings and outdated code. If in doubt, just look for the little square thing on one of your ceilings in every house and apartment, (that I have been in) just get a step stool and open and look. Problem solved. Look in the attic.
when im in the attic what am i looking for? will my joists be ruuning the same direction as the roof joists?
USUALLY. It is a good place to start. Take a look in the attic, then go get a stud finder and try to verify the joists' orientation. If that fails, well... make an exploratory cut, I guess!
Or, if you are worried about the 2nd floor, look for a hole in the ceiling below (i.e., light fixture, fan, exhause, duct work), pop it open, and grab a flashlight.
I live upstairs in a duplex built in 1890. Not a converted 1 family, a built as a duplex duplex. Anyways, It has the original hardwood floors. Is it safe to assume the flooring boards run perpendicular to the joists?
I don't think it's ever safe to assume, I would suspect your right, but since the hardwood floor sits of some sort of sheathing it may be possible that they could be running parallel to the joists. It's probably fine, I just don't want to say 100 percent because if it's not and you got a moderate sized tank you may have a problem.
More to the point, how large a tank are you thinking about?
If it's 20 gal or less, I wouldn't give the matter a second thought. If it's a lot larger, yes, then you do have to check.
Since your place was built in the 1890's, it's likely overbuilt, but with people doing remodeling, it's possible the supporting structure was incorrectly cut away in places.
talk about laughs xDave usually some type of plywood, osb, or in your case (1890 home) 1x12 or something similar would be put on over top of the joists in that case the wood floor could run either way. on a simple ranch or bi-level home the floor joists would usually run the shorter distance. eg. a home that is 28' wide by 50' long = the joists usually run the shorter distance and there would usually also be a load bearing wall or a lam. beam to support the center. stud finder don't do it. in simple 28 x 50 houses the trusses and joists would run the same way usually. if possible put your tank in your basement it's a solid floor and cheaper if a mishap occurs. hope this helps some.
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