3rd Story Reef Tank

[rleechb]

I live on the 3rd story of an apartment complex. I moved here about a month ago, and finally got my 58G reef moved over. Currently the sump, a 29g, is sitting behind the tank on some cinder blocks. Everything seems level and stable, however... when I walk around the tank, I can hear some very slight creaking. Upon further inspection, it looks like I can rock the sump very, very slightly just with my own bodyweight. Furthermore, I make the tank do the same by hopping up and down beside it.

The tank is next to what I'd consider a load-bearing wall (opposite side of the wall is a hallway). The apartment is pretty new; definitely well kept by the management company. Anyways... should this concern me at all? I can take pics if necessary.

 

[barbra]

I would be very concerned myself, and not just for my tank but for myself as well. Especially since the place is new. Sounds like a structural issue since the tank should not be rocking on floor joists, they would be spaced close enough to provide support for such a small tank if they are to code.

Earthquake territory too. Scary.

 

[risika67]

Most apartment complexes have a weight limit. You might want to check that out. That is a lot of weight for one spot without the extra support.

 

[trmiv]

What complex is this? I only ask because I had a 90 with a 20 sump in a third floor apartment for almost 2 years with no issues at an apartment complex in Fremont, CA as well. Could be the same place I lived.

 

[rleechb]

It's the Mission Peaks apartments, formely the Red Hawk Ranch.

They do have a weight limit, but it was 100g tank maximum.

I double checked, and the creaking appears to have been coming from my overflow pvc, not the stand or floor. However, it's still a bit alarming that I could shift the tank/sump enough to cause anything to move at all....

 

[shootist]

You may want to check and make sure your tank is sitting across the floor joists and not running parallel to them. You may be able to accomplish this by looking at the ceilings in the apartment below yours. A bright light shown on the ceiling will usually reveal the joist lines.

 

[Hop]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10960174#post10960174 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rleechb
It's the Mission Peaks apartments, formely the Red Hawk Ranch.

They do have a weight limit, but it was 100g tank maximum.

I double checked, and the creaking appears to have been coming from my overflow pvc, not the stand or floor. However, it's still a bit alarming that I could shift the tank/sump enough to cause anything to move at all....

To some degree it will flex. My house is built with composite beams that are a lot stronger than the traditional joists and walking in front of my old tanks would do the same thing. But now my tank is built over the foundation and it doesn't bounce at all

 

[SSalty]

I think any tank with a small footprint, that is on second floor will SLIGHTLY flex back and forth when bounced by with your own weight.

My 55gallon does the same thing.

 

[SSalty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10958471#post10958471 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by barbra
I would be very concerned myself, and not just for my tank but for myself as well. Especially since the place is new. Sounds like a structural issue since the tank should not be rocking on floor joists, they would be spaced close enough to provide support for such a small tank if they are to code.

Earthquake territory too. Scary.

Even if it is placed directly on the floor joist it still could flex back and forth. You have to remember that the tank is also sitting on top of carpet and padding.

 

[AtlReef]

Wait a sec!! I thought all "newer" apartments had concrete floors? My old complex built in 04' I think, let my neighbor keep his 156 gallon. He was on the 2nd floor. The shaking, moving that your experiencing is probably just the carpet pad and carpet. After all its probably been replaced and renewed a few times who knows if they even remove the old carpet pad lol.

 

[HippieSmell]

I had a 58 with a 29 sump in a 2nd story apartment and it was fine. The floor wasn't concrete and would bounce like yours does. As long as it's level, stays level, and has a decent stand, you'll be ok. YMMV

 

[rleechb]

Thanks everyone. I feel much better now.

I'm going to go do some jumping jacks in front of my tank with some overweight friends now.

 

[melev]

Do you guys do anything in anticipation of earthquakes? Any kind of tie straps to the studs in the wall perhaps?

 

[ludnix]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10963009#post10963009 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
Do you guys do anything in anticipation of earthquakes? Any kind of tie straps to the studs in the wall perhaps?

I've never experienced an earth quake that would make me concerned enough to attach wall straps.

 

[moo0o]

haha yeah i dont have straps around ANYTHING here except the water heater of course. how come you wont put the tank on the first floor?