Can my floors support a 240 Gal?

[street fish]

Hey MRs,

I live in a newly constructed high rise apartment building on the 29th Floor.

I was wondering what everyone's thoughts are as to whether or not my floors can handle the weight.

The tank is acrylic and will sit on a metal stand...

Also, here is a link to the building:

http://wirednewyork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6834&page=5

Thanks for any info!

 

[pmoneyt]

try to get the building plans or fine out if the flooring is concrete

 

[topmav1]

About 8lbs per gallon. Thats just the water. I would ask the bldg manager. Talking a min og 2,000lbs.

 

[bmarkus]

2k lbs is not the question, it is the space the tank will take up. I will assume that this tank is 6 feet by 2 feet or 72" by 24" foot print. This foot print is equal to 1728 sq inches or just over a pound per square inch which is not that much the only thing that he have to check is that that your stand is not just 4 or 6 legs but more like a wood stand where the perimeter of the stand is the support. If the stand is just 4 or 6 legs then the legs can cut into the floor and that would be a big problem. Make sure the stand distributes the weight over the perimeter of the tank and you will be fine.

 

[Deanos]

Have a structural engineer check it out.

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

Ask an constructor/structure engineer to check for you.

However, at least you should not sit the tank close to the bathroom nor the kitchen, nor center of nowhere if the beams are made of wood. That's the first thing my service guys I used for structure reinforcement will tell you.

 

[street fish]

Thanks everyone. Can anyone refer a good structural engineer?

Also, if the floor plan states the floors are concrete, am I all good?

 

[jaa1456]

Anything in the city that tall, will have concrete floors by code.Especially if new, No if, ands, or buts about it. The question is will your building allow you to own a tank that large. They might say no, due to the fact if it leaks they would be worried about water damage and electrical problems.

 

[street fish]

Anything in the city that tall, will have concrete floors by code.Especially if new, No if, ands, or buts about it. The question is will your building allow you to own a tank that large. They might say no, due to the fact if it leaks they would be worried about water damage and electrical problems.

Thanks man - the building won't have to know about the tank...

But since it is concrete, do you guys think im all good?

 

[fallenlordz]

Place that new should be concrete everything.

You should be good to go. :thrash:

 

[street fish]

Thanks man! Will be sure to post pics once all complete!

 

[albano]

Thanks man - the building won't have to know about the tank...

Check your lease, and insurance...a major water leak, could cost YOU a fortune! What happens when maintenance comes in for a repair, and tells management?




.

 

[Imbarrie]

I would do this legit just to cover yourself.

Also, it would be difficult to get this in without building management finding out.
The tank, live rock, sand, lighting. You would probably have to get this arranged for delivery and Im sure someone would get curious. Unless you used refrigerator boxes to conceal it all. Hint.

 

[jaa1456]

That would be a big box to hide the tank lol. I would defintely check first to see if you are allowed to have, always cover your back even if you don't like what they say.

 

[nycdominicanreef]

Great idea imbarrie

 

[street fish]

Agreed - thanks everyone

 

[street fish]

I do have home owners insurance... with liability of up to $1MM...

Does anyone else insure their tanks?

 

[Killerdrgn]

err what if the tank breaks and goes down all 29 floors? 1 Mill might not be enough, I think it'll be better to play it safe and inform management. They'll probably ok it anyways.

 

[flipit13]

i would really read your insurance very carefully. most insurances only cover water damage by a broken pipe not a saltwater tank. so if it breaks or leaks costs are all out of pocket YOURS.

 

[JimmyR1rider]

He doesnt have to worry about if the tank breaks the water going down any floors- He lives in a hi rise multiple dwelling- they are fireproof buildings. There are no holes in the concrete and cue decking that make up the building.

The floors are all sealed- exactly why when we have fires in them we tell the people to stay in their apartments with the doors sealed and windows shut and wait it out- unless elderly and extremely panicky, because theres no way for the fire to spread up to their floors. The same will apply with water leaks- or broken tanks- it will just flood his apartment, and possibly if in certain locations out into the hall a bit, but you should check your insurance policy to see if you do have a catastrophy will they replace all the carpet and or hardwood flooring or if it would come out of your pocket......Good luck.

Oh and i would say that a building over 20 floors high would definately have thick enough and substantial enough floors and structure to support the weight of that tank easily.