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rhudgins

Experienced Reefer
Location
Harlem
Rating - 100%
28   0   0
I am in the process of upgrading to a 220 gallon tank. I ahve had some concerns about the weight of this tank in a manhattan apartment. Does anyone else have a tank of this size in their apt? Has anyone had any problems with a tank this size before? Any feedback would be great.

Thanks!
 

bizarrecorals

Advanced Reefer
Location
ny
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I've seen much larger tanks in other apt., usually people put 2x6 on the bottom to evenly distribute the weight on the beams on the bottom. I "think" there is a beam every 16-18 inches, you can always call your building mgmt to confirm that. You have roughly around 2000 lb with the water+tank+stand, thats like having 10 football players sitting on one couch, theres no reason why your floor cant support that. hope this helps you out.
 

tangmaniac

Advanced Reefer
Location
Queens NY
Rating - 100%
141   0   0
you have to know what kind of floor you have there ,if there is wooden beams it will be too heavy getting advice from architect would be good idea.
 

albano

Saltwater since 1973
Staff member
Vendor
Rating - 100%
129   0   0
you can always call your building mgmt to confirm that. You have roughly around 2000 lb with the water+tank+stand, thats like having 10 football players sitting on one couch, theres no reason why your floor cant support that.
You should definately call, but...once you call, you might be told 'NO WAY' to a large tank... otherwise...a 220g reef tank (w/rock and sand, sump, etc) will be closer to 3000 lbs PLUS the 2 or 3 people standing there looking at it, so add another 5-600 lbs, all in a 18 sq. ft area....there may be a reason why your floor CAN'T support that!
 

2slo4me

Advanced Reefer
Location
queens
Rating - 100%
45   0   0
most city buildings are well built. however you can buy a beam finder at home depot and look for the beams on your floor.

id be skurred of a 220gallon flood...lmao
 

midtownman

Advanced Reefer
Location
midtown
Rating - 100%
64   0   0
lol why ur words are so big & bold? i feel like im getting cursed out everything i read ur posts lol
You should definately call, but...once you call, you might be told 'NO WAY' to a large tank... otherwise...a 220g reef tank (w/rock and sand, sump, etc) will be closer to 3000 lbs PLUS the 2 or 3 people standing there looking at it, so add another 5-600 lbs, all in a 18 sq. ft area....there may be a reason why your floor CAN'T support that!
 

saltwaterman112

Advanced Reefer
Location
NJ
Rating - 100%
18   0   0
I was in the process of upgrading to 180 gallon but didnt want to take that risk of all that weight not being able to be supported. Your looking at an easy 3k pounds. I would hate to be the person who lives under you.
 
Location
Huntington
Rating - 100%
26   0   0
Honestly, the main issue to start with is whether or not your building will let you even have it. I've seen several installs get rejected based solely on size and less on what the floor could take. Call your building management before you do anything else and see if they'll even let you bring that through the front door or you might just end up wasteing a lot of money.
 
Location
lindenhurst,ny
Rating - 100%
162   0   0
i had a 120 on in my apt for 5 years and not a day went by without me thinking i might find it in my neighbors house down stairs lol i just ,oved so i can sleep now its in a basement for now i am buying a house and going to but it in the living room and add beams underneth for support
 

Alfredo De La Fe

Senior Member
Location
Upper West Side
Rating - 100%
30   0   0
I had many sleepless nights after putting my 180 in. I live in an old building and my wood floors are in HORRIBLE shape. (Co-op and I am on the first floor) BUT- no problems. I just saw the set-up for the new 500 Gallon display tank and Manhattan Aquariums and it is going to be supported by like 5 or 6 2x4's!!!

You should be more concerned about leaks and spills. It is inevitable, everyone has a leak or spill at some point. I had bulkhead get loose once and ended up with about 10-20 gallons of water on my living room floor. Thankfully I am on the 1st Floor.

Alfred
 

henrye718

Experienced Reefer
Location
whitestone
Rating - 100%
2   0   0
That tank is no problem for any building BUT it must be put in the right place. Placed against a bearing wall is a must, it must lay the opposite direction of the floor beams. This also must be an area where there was no modifications to the beams. IE: to run electrical, plumbing, duct work, fireplaces, chimneys etc etc. The structure must be in good condition no sagging floors, no leaning walls, a spot where a old radiators leaks drops of water for years. obvious cracks in walls of the building inside and out LOL. If you are unsure about any of these points get someone who knows to look at it or just don't do it.
 

Alfredo De La Fe

Senior Member
Location
Upper West Side
Rating - 100%
30   0   0
I had permission, but the board was very different back then. Now I am on the board and I would probably have serious reservations about someone putting a big tank on anything but the first floor. A big leak can cause major damage to every neighbor below you.

But hey, the saying goes: It is easier to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission. But check your lease to be sure that they do not mention aquariums and keep in mind that you would be financially responsible for any damage caused to the building and downstairs neighbor, and chances are that any apartment insurance you have probably has a clause that does not cover aquariums.

BTW: My commercial lease for my office downtown specifically banned aquariums of any size.

Alfred
 

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