Aquarium size and its impact on your floors

[E.intheC]

At what size do you have to really start worrying about how your aquarium's weight will affect your floors?

Kind of an odd or random question I guess, but the reason why I'm asking is that I am very, very tempted to upgrade my 45 gallon cube to a 4ft 90 gallon or 4ft 120 gallon.. standard dimensions.

However, I'm concerned with the weight of everything and how it will effect the floors of my apartment.

Thanks for the help.

 

[E.intheC]

Just a bit more background.. I live on the second story of an apartment complex. They're made with brick walls all around, and I have no idea what kind of support wood they're using for the floors. To the best of my knowledge, it's well built, and there's no tank size restrictions that I can see listed in the lease agreement (am going to re-read just to be sure)...

I think the apartments were made in the 60's or 70's, if I remember correctly.

 

[SilverGTS]

I live on the second floor of my complex as well from what I've gathered putting the tank near a load bearing wall is recommended. Also I have read about people using 1" plywood under the stand to disperse the weight as well. Plus you will need a certain amount of coverage of renters insurance too if the tank ever breaks. In my lease it says I can do 20 gallon without a pet deposit or renters insurance and anything above that I have to provide both of these. Hope that helps a little.

-Chris

 

[E.intheC]

Wow you have a 215 and live on the second floor? That's brave! I guess I need to focus on keeping everything as well built and properly maintained. That way I don't have to worry as much about the tank leaking or causing problems.

Great point about the renters insurance. I already have a policy in place. Very smart for anyone to have.

I wonder how often tanks actually fail enough to where the owner doesn't have time to react. Usually you can plan for leaks and small overflows but I'm talking about a large, catastrophic failure.

I'm sure the chances or failure rise dramatically when the tank is not level or improperly maintained.

 

[dave.m]

It is NOT an odd or random question. Every book you'll ever read on reef keeping will tell you about concerns for the weight of your tank, including the weight of salt water per gallon, of the glass or acrylic of the tank for its size, the stand, all your sumps, pumps etc. When building a larger tank, many will go the extra mile to verify the building's structure and have an engineer certify how much weight the floor can take. There are endless jokes told about the person who comes home to find a big hole in their apartment floor and their newly finished tank in the apartment below them.

Dave.M

 

[SilverGTS]

I was lucky enough to have my apartment over the connected garages in my complex. I have insurance but I saved a lot for not having a unit under mine, if it were to burst I would just have to spring for a car wash . Also my complex was built in 2005 so its very structurely sound. I found out which way my floor joists run and went perpendicular to those near an outside wall and I have 1" plywood under the stand. I don't plan to be in this apartment much longer any way so I have no idea on the long term effects.

-Chris

 

[E.intheC]

Thank you for the responses. Dave.m: at what size do you think it becomes more of an issue? I mean..... With a ten gallon you can put it on almost any desk or table and you're fine. However with a 120... Its much more of a big deal.

I do have to say this thought I had that provoked the thread has got me a bit discouraged. Bummer.

 

[SilverGTS]

Well I would ask the apartment management to get an idea of what you have to work with. You never know it coulda been built with "I" beams or maybe re-enforced concrete floors. Never hurts to check and see what your options are.

-Chris

 

[E.intheC]

That's true as well.

 

[Trademark]

Hello my name is Robert and I am a flooring contractor, a tank of that size will not be a problem, most if not 95% of apartment buildings are built with at least 2x6 construction (floor joist) you can also look in a floor vent to get an Idea of what things look like in addition to the floor joist you are going to have at least 2 layers of subfloor your standing on with alternating seams and run perpendicular to each other, FILL THAT TANK,,,, Another way of looking at it , look at your stand , they always look like they wouldn't hold much but you would be surprised

 

[E.intheC]

Thanks for the reply Robert. Very helpful. I'll have to take another look at the lease or even ask the apartment folks about the floor. I don't think we have vents though.

Good point about the store bought stands. I was always surprised at how thin the wood that made up the stand of my old 72 bow. It was crazy. But it worked just fine.

 

[dave.m]

Sorry, I'm not an engineer, so I can't give you specifics, but I would start to get nervous at the size of a 100 gal tank, given the total weight plus all the accoutrements.

The size of the floor joists will not tell you anything alone, as you also have to consider the length of the span to determine strength (2X6" joists aren't even legal here, as they are so weak).

You really need to talk to your buildings people to find out. Don't guess. Don't take chances. If you do something that you insurance company considers blatantly stupid they may refuse to cover you. Get the facts before proceeding.

Dave.M

 

[E.intheC]

After much thought and consideration, due to the above issues (along with other, very important ones).. it looks like I'm going to wait on getting a large tank until I get my own place. Just not worth the risks.

Looks like I'm going to buy a 57 gallon Oceanic Illuminata. Should be a fun build.

Thanks again for everyone's responses.

 

[techreef]

i'll add (postmortem) that i live in a 35-story apartment building, with concrete flooring and walls. my 90G DT and 30G sump cause a very slight deflection in the floor, a i can see a tiny gap between the floor and the wall running behind the tank. the weight is no joke.

 

[Baka Saru]

Dude youll be fine. Ive had my 90G glass with all equipment and stand in my 2nd story apt. Its actually on an overhang, and its been there for about 6 months now with no problems.

 

[euromomtx]

I loved my big tank - until it burst a couple of weeks ago. In a matter of minutes the house was flooded with 125 gallons of water. The sound of it rushing through the burst seal was so loud I woke up right away. We shop vaced it immediately and pushed it out the door with mops.
Still the wood floors are ruined. I now have a 75 temporary tank and suddenly that small seems perfect! lol
I have a 215 g on order and I'm kind of scared now just due to the sheer amount of water (we're on the first floor and own the home).
I think you will enjoy the 57 gallon tank!
If you go bigger definitely consider insurance. You never know...

 

[E.intheC]

Wow! Can you go into a little more detail about what happened to your seam to cause it to break?

 

[serpentman]

I loved my big tank - until it burst a couple of weeks ago. In a matter of minutes the house was flooded with 125 gallons of water. The sound of it rushing through the burst seal was so loud I woke up right away. We shop vaced it immediately and pushed it out the door with mops.
Still the wood floors are ruined. I now have a 75 temporary tank and suddenly that small seems perfect! lol
I have a 215 g on order and I'm kind of scared now just due to the sheer amount of water (we're on the first floor and own the home).
I think you will enjoy the 57 gallon tank!
If you go bigger definitely consider insurance. You never know...

Man that sucks. I carry a rider on my homeowner's policy for that very reason.