Apartment Reef

mkunk1 · Sep 18, 2017

Advice, please... I think I'm probably over-thinking and "what if'ing" but would like to hear your opinions anyway.

My lease is up soon and I have narrowed my next apartment options down to 2. The only deciding factor is carpet or LTV "wood" flooring.

Both would be on ground level so not worried about weight, but I am worried if for some reason the tank were to leak or I accidentally spilled a bunch of water. It's just a 40b right now, but I am planning an upgrade to 90-110 once we move. I am leaning more towards the carpeted one (it has an attached garage) but the only thing preventing me from signing is that "what-if" scenario. Is there anything I could put under the tank to minimize damage to the carpet? I was thinking one of those plastic mats for office chairs.

Maddlesrain · Sep 18, 2017

We had our 180 on carpeted flooring. Had a plastic mat hidden under the stand and put towels and whatnot down during water changes which worked well!!

Congrats on the move and new tank!

NewSaltWaterGuy · Sep 18, 2017

I have something similar under my FW tanks, because I spill water quite often.
And they work to! (the plastic mats) so I think that is something you should look into if you go on carpet. Just one thing, they can make a stand unsteady! so make sure its super level, and I suggest cutting holes in the matt to fit your stands legs. but that's just my extra .02!

VR28man · Sep 18, 2017

Yeah, for a tank I'd personally go with wood; it seems to me that it would have a better (but by no means perfect) chance to be steadier.

cmcoker · Sep 18, 2017

I have had tanks on tile, vinyl, carpet and concrete. I like carpet the least.

That said, you mentioned , "when WE move". if you have a significant other, go with whichever they like better. Happy wife, happy life. [emoji6]

TerraFerma · Sep 18, 2017

For me tank/stands sit best on carpet. Gives you a small measure of self leveling. And here's the thing with carpet: you can spill whatever you want on it and its fine if you dry it out properly. And if you are on the ground floor there is no one below you for the water to fall on. With LTV spills can leave stains/water marks, its easy to scuff, and if water ever gets below the boards that could be troublesome.