Large tanks on 2nd story apt.

[kittyhazelton]

Ok, I may be moving to a bigger APT here shortly (2BR in same building as I currently am in) and I am worried about keeping my 110gal tank on the 2nd floor.
This is not a really old building or anything, But I would like to take whatever precautions nesessary. Is there anything I should do to help to strengthen the structural integrity of the floor (plywood, 2X4 under the stand, etc)
Would it be wiser to keep the tank on an outside wall, or is it OK to have it in the middle (like between the living room and the kitchen kind of like some sort of divider)
The floors are hardwood no carpet as well if that makes any difference.
Just looking for some advice, suggestons, etc. as I have ALWAYS had my tanks on the ground floor or basement.
I figured the total wieght of the tank to be around 1200-1300lbs when you count in the gravel, wieght of the tank, sump, etc.

 

[Dangerdoll]

I would first check with the landlord and make sure they are ok with the tank being up on the 2nd floor and maybe they could even clue you in to the integrity of the floors. At best, if it were me, I would make sure to place it on an outside wall against the structure's beams.

 

[TheZoo]

What if they said no to the tanks??? Yeesh, that would be my fear. But, Ive snuck a German Shepherd into a 3rd floor apt before, so maybe thats just me. USUALLY the outer walls are the most structurally sound, so Id put it there. A piece of plywood underneath would help spread the weight a little, if the stand doesnt have a solid bottom.

 

[Dangerdoll]

The problem with hiding it from the landlord is one never knows when the landlord or super is going to show up for updates or repairs to the apartment. It's a bit easier to move a German Shephard out of sight than it is to move a 110 gallon tank. I think if it came to having the tank or being homeless, I'd get rid of the tank and opt for something smaller.

OR another option in that case is to stay in the current apartment.

 

[Rbishop]

Getting the tank so that it's length runs perpendicular to the floor joists will help spread the weight even more.

 

[jib]

My tank is a bit smaller than your's, it's a 90Gal, but I have it in my second floor apt, and it's actually against an inside wall. However the wall is a support wall (not sure of the the correct term), and the tank is perpendicular to the floor joists. I've had it in that location for just over a year, 14-15 mos. I did speak to my landlord about it before hand though. i thought about just bringing it in, and then thought about the possible consequences, good luck.

 

[Mantas]

Depends on the construction of your floor and the size of the floor joists. If they are 2X6's they are rated at 40psf (pounds per square foot) live load. The dead weight rating of the joists is substantially higher, however the problem is not that the tank will crash through the floor when you fill it, but that over time the joists will begin to deflect slightly causing the load of the tank to be distributed unevenly eventually causing the tank to leak or crack. That being said if you are going to set it up anyway choose a spot closest to an exterior, load bearing wall, which is engineered to distribute the load through the walls to the sill plate/foundation. If your joists are 2x8 or larger, or if the building is of steel construction(best case,steel beams mean you could park a truck in the room with no ill effects) then the weight of the tank shouldnt be a real concern. Try to set up perpendicular to the joists and 3/4" plywood under the stand isn't a bad idea either if the stand doesn't make full continuous contact with the flooring surface. If I was you I'd make sure that I notified/cleared it with you landlord because if you do have a leak and cause water damage you will liable for the cost of repairs provided you aren't indemnified in your rental contract. Good luck.