58 gallon tank on third floor of apartment??? (1 Viewer)

[Aggie05]

I am going to be moving into a third floor apartment in June and am really starting to think about whether or not I can keep my 58 gallon tank. Besides the restrictions that the apartment puts on tanks, what are the thoughts about having at least 750 pounds on the third floor? It would be up against a wall obviously. Anyone done it?

Oh yeah, the building is about two years old.

 

[pernelf]

So does that mean you found a place Russell?? Congrats!

As much as you hear people say don't put tanks on second/third floors, I've never seen pics of a tank going through the floor nor heard of it happening. I'd say you would be safe up to 75-90 gallon range.

 

[Guest]

i have my 55 on the second floor i don't see a problem at all.

only thing that sucks is carrying up all them stairs

Justin

 

[Guest]

I used to have a 250 gallon system on the third floor. It was concrete floor and I put the tank against a wall. Absolutely fine. If you're at all worried though you should ask a professional.

 

[Aggie05]

well first I have to circumnavigate the little lease I just signed that says nothing bigger than 20 gallons and only on the first floor. Of course I also read that you can't have aggressive breeds of dogs like rotts and pitbulls as a lady walked her 115 pound rott through the lobby. So apparently there is a bit of leeway.


Leslea here is the link to the place we are living. It is located about 5 blocks from the Museum of Fine Arts and is directly adjacent to Hermann Park. You will have to come visit next time you are in town.

http://www.archstoneapartments.com/...ermann+Museum+Circle/PhotoGallery.htm?cid=EHM

 

[Guest]

I have a 75 on the third floor as we speak. The tank has been up for about 7 months. Alll i'm worried about is if the thing springs a leak.

 

[pernelf]

Wow, that is nice Did you guys go with a one or two bedroom?

 

[Guest]

Haven't done this myself, but having some experience with carpentry and framing I'd be a bit concerned.

Is this a modern apt building, or an older place with "character"?

It would be best if you could determine the joist direction, and place the tank perpendicular to the joists.

If it's impossible to tell joist direction and the floor seems a bit rickety, then you could place the tank in the outside corner of the apt, at a 45 degree to both walls

 

[PygmyAngel]

I lived on the 3rd floor apartment for the last 5 years in a 'newer' apt. building (about 10-15 yrs old now) in Clear Lake (just moved)...

Anyway, I had 5 tanks on the 3rd floor: 2 - 75 gallons, 1 - 30 gallon, 2 - 20 gallons. Fishtanks were considered pets in the lease contract as well, but they never said anything to me about it either. Never seemed to be a prob.
One 58 gal. tank should not be a problem...

And yeah, the flights of stairs SUCKED.

 

[Guest]

the only reason you should worry is if you spring a leak, I have a 90 gallon tank with a 30 gallon sump refuge on my second floor. You won't have any problem. Good luck with the move and make sure your going to be there for a while because moving established tanks sucks big ones. I did it about 4 months ago.

 

[Aggie05]

well i am toying with the idea of going back to a 20 long. We are going to be a newly wed couple so spending big bucks on a reef tank isn't the best idea anyways. If I downsize, I not only don't have to worry about the apartment, but it will be easier on the checkbook. I still have a few months before the tank gets moved so I have time to think. Thanks for all the replys.


And Leslea, we have a one bedroom.

 

[MCR]

It would be best if you could determine the joist direction, and place the tank perpendicular to the joists.

I realize this is a lil late, but for what its worth Ive kept multiple tanks on second and third floor apartments (largest was 75 gals) without incident. Cant give any advice on wood floors (seeing as how mine were concrete), but I did consult a pro at one point and he told me that up to 90 gallons was fine as long as it was across the joists and against a load bearing wall. In other words, he shared similar advice to Surf's. I wouldnt worry, save for a leak of course. By the way, beautiful apartments...

 

[Aggie05]

thank you MCR, we think it makes a good first home. Especially for two people that enjoy the Art Museum and other things around there as much as we do.

 

[Guest]

I'm going to go ahead and be late on this one but right now we have a 125, 90, 58, 45, 37, 29, 20, and 3 10's all on the third floor. The 90 doesn't have water in it now but it did.

Mike