how safe is a 55gal upstairs?

[Aries]

but a refridgerator must weight a lot too right. and I have one of those, I guess if my manager says no i will just have to sell my beloved 55gal

A 55G is MUCH more weight than a fridge. I have a 75G on my second floor apartment - but I HAD to place it on a load bearing wall for support reasons. Further, I HAD to get permission IN WRITING from apartment manager (if it does bust, that is A LOT of water). I HAD to have apartment insurance (but it is required to get a lease here). Finally, my apartment was built in 1998 so it is fairly new.

If you dont get permission, the manager could call out breach of contract as you could be putting others at harms way if the structure would fail. Do it the right way, 55G is not too much weight right :Angel:

Aries

 

[kasslloyd]

As for the forgiveness thing, i doubt there would be much forgiveness involved if it busts and floods at least 3 apartments and possibly damage the structure. You'd be lucky to escape without a major lawsuit.

Even with permission I'd highly recommend insurance with liability coverage in case it does leak/burst and floods the floors below. The people who live there most likely would sue you.

 

[Marinemom]

I think 55 gallons is pushing it. I have a 46 on the second floor of my home and I will not consider anything heavier on this floor. Even if you have other furniture on the second or third floor that is heavy such as a fridge or a heavy wall unit the weight is different then true water weight that will affect the way the floor will sustain it. I would definetly get permissiion in writing and get insurance for the tank as well in case of water damage from leaking or breakage. I would also make sure that the tank is placed on a weight bearing wall as well as having it checked by a competent structural engineer as well.

Marinemom

 

[mcox3]

i had a 55g on my second floor apartment and when i would change the water i could feel the floor "bounce"

everything worked out okay tho.

 

[TimmyB42386]

I think 55 gallons is pushing it. I have a 46 on the second floor of my home and I will not consider anything heavier on this floor. Even if you have other furniture on the second or third floor that is heavy such as a fridge or a heavy wall unit the weight is different then true water weight that will affect the way the floor will sustain it. I would definetly get permissiion in writing and get insurance for the tank as well in case of water damage from leaking or breakage. I would also make sure that the tank is placed on a weight bearing wall as well as having it checked by a competent structural engineer as well.

Marinemom

wouldnt a standard 4 foot 55 make less strain on the floor than a 46 becuase it spread out over a 4 foot area instead of 3

 

[samsmom]

Insurance form this is a must, I agree with the other regarding lawsuits, remember water beds?

 

[lucid_boy]

well now that I read this today i feel kinda stupid, it is full of water right now it has passed the leak test with flying colors. I will have to ask my apartment manager, I would hate myself if I ever hurt someone else... does anybody want to purchase a used 55 gal? (by the way how much does that insurance usually run, anybody know about that?)

 

[donfenk]

Lets put it this way if there is a problem with the weight of a 55 gallon tank in your apartment you better move out right now. Just think of the weight of your bath tub when its full. Or better yet when you have 20 friends over for a Party (average weight of 150lbs) thats 3000lbs jumping on the floor to the beat of the music.

 

[donfenk]

Not sure how weight and true water weight differ - ???
Guys a 36 inch Sony Wega Tube TV set alone weighs 270lbs. A loaded wall unit would be upward of 600 or 700 lbs.

Again - if there is any issue with a 55 gallon tank on any floor in your building you better find a new place to live - it really is not that much weight.

Again - the next time you have a party and there are a bunch of people dancing in the center of a living room - add up their weights and multiply by 4 or 5 as they jump up and down.

Just fill your tank and have fun. Home owners or renters insurance will cover water damage from a leaking tank.

 

[1boatnut]

Just tell the manager you have an aquarium and don't go into specifics unless he asks:huh:

Allot of good points have been made. If the apartment can't handle an aquarium how could it handle a bathtub?The aquarium is not 500lbs in 1 spot. The weight is spread over a 4' area.It really should not be an issue. If a stand made from 2x4"s and plywood can support it,I would certainly hope the floor could too!!

Depending on where you live apartment(renters) insurance is cheap. It not only covers liability but also your personel posessions.If the place burned down the owner is not liable for your stuff. If the place is robbed,again your on your own.Just a thought