Tank size / weight vs floor

Hey everyone,

So my girlfriend and I are planning to move in together sometime in the next few months, and I'll be going from my awesome studio to a 2 bedroom in the same complex. I've made it quite clear I want a 90 or 125 gallon tank (or bigger!!).

I called my complex today and asked if there were any limits on tank size. The girl said "let me check", and a minute later came back and said "nope, as big as you want."

I responded with, "A 90 gallon tank will weigh over 1,000 pounds spread over 6 square feet. Will that be ok on the floor?". She asked the manager and I heard him respond "Whatever he thinks".

Weight per square foot:
125 gallon - 155.55 pounds / square foot
90 gallon - 175.00 pounds / square foot
75 gallon - 141.67 pounds / square foot
55 gallon - 144.23 pounds / square foot
29 gallon - 139.20 pounds / square foot
All taken from:

The weight per square foot is about the same between the 29 and the 75. Then the 125 isn't much more! And they told me I'd be ok with a 90....

SO... Hypothetical with me. Assuming I'm not on the ground floor, or if I am, it is built on a crawl space so I wouldn't be on a slab anyway... is it a "bad idea" to get a large tank in an apartment? The buildings are a few years old, at most (we may move into one that is being built now). Any tank would be set up running accross the floor support (and not in the same direction).

I'm leaning towards "do it". What do you guys and gals think?

 

Honestly, I would go to a building or contractors forum to seek this kind of advice.

There are many factors like load bearing walls, what type of wood your house is, the spacing of the floor joists, the size of the floor joists, etc.

It would probably be okay, but I would seek a professional opinion for any tank over 75 gallon

 

The 125 looks like it spreads the weight out pretty good, better go with that ;D

 

The 125 looks like it spreads the weight out pretty good, better go with that ;D

 

I would think you would be fine with the one tank, esspecially with a load bearing wall around, ie an exterior wall or a main wall of the house. The 125 would be better than the 90 as it is a bit bigger and spreads the load out across the area more.

 

You asked the person in charge and got an unconcerned answer, indicating the building can easily withstand it. You got the green light - have fun Just be sure to have renters insurance, if you don't already.

I too would go with a 125 or 150. The next size up is a 180, but that is 2 feet wide versus 18 inches which may not fit as well.

 

Oh trust me, I work for an insurance copmany, I'll be more than protected

I know Chiclidnut and James were laughing, but I do think the 125 is the best choice. The weight is more spread out. Now I just need to find one... !

If I can get an end unit, an exterior wall would be easy. If I can't, then it wouldn't be very easy. Would a wall dividing units usually be a "load bearing wall" too?

Thanks for the input everyone!

 

What's the building made of?

 

What's the building made of?

I'm not quite sure, it seems to be made of the same quality / material as all the homes in my area. That typical wood frame / siding / brick veneer. I never hear my neighbors at all, so I'm assuming the wall is thicker between our apartments, but I'm not completely sure. I could probably call and ask.

 

I was just wondering if it was concrete

 

Nope! Haha.

 

I would think that the dividing walls would be as they tend to run from the foundation or pilings up to the roofline and carry a full load.

 

I would tend to agree.

 

my 150 willprob weigh 1500 pounds or more with everything in. I have it on a concrete floor. a 150 is the same as a 125, but 4 inches taller. and it is tall!

-j