IM 25 Gallon Lagoon in Townhouse

[Thresher's Reef]

Hello all! I have been wanting a saltwater tank ever since I was eight years old, but I have never had the money or space for one until now. It just always seemed like there was something that intended to keep me from having one. I have been in the researching phase the last few months and have finally started getting stuff together to give it a shot, however, I have run into another problem yet again. I am currently renting a townhouse that was built in the 40's - 50's (estimated by current property manager). Here is the predicament...I would like to put my reef tank in my bedroom on the second floor, however, I am concerned about two things (one of which was brought up by a family member). First, I have no way of knowing the load bearing capacity of the flooring for the second floor due to the property being so old and both previous and current management have stated that they have no knowledge of this as well. Will a tank stand holding a 25 gallon innovative marine lagoon cause any issues? Second, my family member brought up the topic of what would happen if my tank were to leak (or worse....crack or burst) on the second floor carpet. I was already planning on filling the tank with freshwater when I got it to test the sealant, but my question is how dependable is the sealant on a new tank and how long does it usually last? My other option is to put my tank on the first floor, however, it would be in an area where my cat stays and I am not sure how he will interact with the tank. I don't want to stress the fish out and I certainly want to provide both them and my corals with a safe and sufficient environment.

Thank you for any advice in advance! I hope to soon join all of you in the world of reefing and hope that you will be kind enough to help me finally accomplish my dream of having my little reef at home!

 

[Quietman]

Don't think anyone could tell you with confidence if that tank will overload the floor joists. Plus, it's not our risk to take. However, that's not a very large tank (300 lbs total) and if you're putting it next to a load bearing wall (or a wall that goes rafters to floor instead of a 'room divider only') and if you can walk/jump without it feeling 'weak and unsupported' that should factor into your decision on the positive side. You can also fill a 25 gallon trash can and see if it causes any issues with being level. If level dramatically shifts from empty to full then may want to consider another location.

A properly installed tank (level) that is maintained properly will last for years (10-20). Maintained means, don't bang into it, don't move it with water, careful cleaning the edges to not nick the silicone too much, etc.

If you're renting, most renters insurance won't damage from a busted tank.

 

[workhz]

cats won’t bother the fish. They seem to lose interest quick in a glass box. Just make sure they don’t have direct access to make it easy for them to get to the top (like don’t put it next to a kitchen counter etc)

Not sure I’d be too concerned about 300lbs next to a wall but you never know. Especially in a rental. You’d want the owner to approve and try to get coverage that covers something (if not the tank then maybe the liability associated) but definitely get owners permission in writing.

 

[vanguard]

Regarding weight, you're fine. 25 gallons at 8.5lbs is 212.5 lbs. Remove some water, add some rock/sand/glass and you're around 300 lbs.

That's about the weight the floor endures when I hug my wife. If a house can't stand the weight of two people standing next to each other it's probably condemned.

BTW, I suggest putting it somewhere near a sink if possible. It will make maintenance much easier.

 

[Thresher's Reef]

Regarding weight, you're fine. 25 gallons at 8.5lbs is 212.5 lbs. Remove some water, add some rock/sand/glass and you're around 300 lbs.

That's about the weight the floor endures when I hug my wife. If a house can't stand the weight of two people standing next to each other it's probably condemned.

BTW, I suggest putting it somewhere near a sink if possible. It will make maintenance much easier.

Thanks! That was what I was thinking in terms of the weight, but you just never know!

 

[workhz]

That's about the weight the floor endures when I hug my wife. If a house can't stand the weight of two people standing next to each other it's probably condemned.

Just don't hug near OP's tank.

 

[Thresher's Reef]

cats won’t bother the fish. They seem to lose interest quick in a glass box. Just make sure they don’t have direct access to make it easy for them to get to the top (like don’t put it next to a kitchen counter etc)

Not sure I’d be too concerned about 300lbs next to a wall but you never know. Especially in a rental. You’d want the owner to approve and try to get coverage that covers something (if not the tank then maybe the liability associated) but definitely get owners permission in writing.

That makes sense. The only area I have available downstairs is against a wall that divides the dining room from the living room but it has the cutout section to be able to see into each room from the other. It's pretty high up though, so maybe I can set it where he can't get up there. He has never shown any interest in getting in the divider before so maybe he won't with the tank. I did get the owner's permission beforehand, but it's not in writing so I will have to work on that I guess. Thanks so much!

 

[Thresher's Reef]

Don't think anyone could tell you with confidence if that tank will overload the floor joists. Plus, it's not our risk to take. However, that's not a very large tank (300 lbs total) and if you're putting it next to a load bearing wall (or a wall that goes rafters to floor instead of a 'room divider only') and if you can walk/jump without it feeling 'weak and unsupported' that should factor into your decision on the positive side. You can also fill a 25 gallon trash can and see if it causes any issues with being level. If level dramatically shifts from empty to full then may want to consider another location.

A properly installed tank (level) that is maintained properly will last for years (10-20). Maintained means, don't bang into it, don't move it with water, careful cleaning the edges to not nick the silicone too much, etc.

If you're renting, most renters insurance won't damage from a busted tank.

Thanks for the response! I will probably end up putting it downstairs and taking my chances with the cat. I don't think the weight would be a problem upstairs, but, being a renter, I probably should just stay with the safer route. Thanks again!

 

[Northern Flicker]

If you're renting, most renters insurance won't damage from a busted tank.

For renters, this is 100% the largest risk in owning an aquarium. Water damage is no joke in NA houses due to the materials we use and the cost of trades work. Insurance won't cover it, and if the owner uses their insurance to repair it, they will spare no expense.

Anyone who lives in an apartment with neigbours takes on even more risk.

Thanks for the response! I will probably end up putting it downstairs and taking my chances with the cat. I don't think the weight would be a problem upstairs, but, being a renter, I probably should just stay with the safer route. Thanks again!

This is what I would do too! Set up a nice chair down there. I wouldn't worry about the cat.

 

[Thresher's Reef]

For renters, this is 100% the largest risk in owning an aquarium. Water damage is no joke in NA houses due to the materials we use and the cost of trades work. Insurance won't cover it, and if the owner uses their insurance to repair it, they will spare no expense.

Anyone who lives in an apartment with neigbours takes on even more risk.



This is what I would do too! Set up a nice chair down there. I wouldn't worry about the cat.

That is 100% why I am getting so worried about this. I really want my aquarium, but do I really want to let that scare me out of having one?

I will park my couch directly in front of that thing and force guests to look at my creation

 

[Kellie in CA]

I'm a renter. I always have it written into my lease that my aquarium is approved.

Also, my renters insurance will cover water damage to the property if the aquarium leaks, it just won't cover the cost of the actual aquarium or anything in it. I had a 25 for a long time and recently upgraded to a 40. That is the largest I will go until I own my own house.

 

[Cell]

If your floor cannot handle a 25G tank, then you shouldn't be standing on it either.

Better check with the landlord's policy on aquariums if you are concerned.

 

[Northern Flicker]

If your floor cannot handle a 25G tank, then you shouldn't be standing on it either.

Excuse me sir but these pants aren't flattering and I had a large breakfast!

 

[Thresher's Reef]

I'm a renter. I always have it written into my lease that my aquarium is approved.

Also, my renters insurance will cover water damage to the property if the aquarium leaks, it just won't cover the cost of the actual aquarium or anything in it. I had a 25 for a long time and recently upgraded to a 40. That is the largest I will go until I own my own house.

I'll check with my insurance agency and see if that is the case. I'll also see if the manager will be nice enough to add the approval to my lease, thanks for the info!

 

[diverjm]

I'm a renter. I always have it written into my lease that my aquarium is approved.

Also, my renters insurance will cover water damage to the property if the aquarium leaks, it just won't cover the cost of the actual aquarium or anything in it. I had a 25 for a long time and recently upgraded to a 40. That is the largest I will go until I own my own house.

What company is your insurance through? I’m also in CA and I’m finding it hard to get a policy that would cover damage to the property.

 

[Northern Flicker]

What company is your insurance through? I’m also in CA and I’m finding it hard to get a policy that would cover damage to the property.

Up here in Canada, I've never seen it covered. Maybe in higher value policies, but not in the range I was looking.

 

[RZGreef]

This got me thinking... I just called my insurance company (State Farm) and was able to get coverage added to my renters policy for an additional $8/mo. The tank itself was apparently already covered under the standard policy, but this additional amount now covers water damage, mold, etc., and repair to the structure itself. Making note of this data point in case it helps others. Thanks for bringing it up folks.

 

[diverjm]

This got me thinking... I just called my insurance company (State Farm) and was able to get coverage added to my renters policy for an additional $8/mo. The tank itself was apparently already covered under the standard policy, but this additional amount now covers water damage, mold, etc., and repair to the structure itself. Making note of this data point in case it helps others. Thanks for bringing it up folks.

What state do you live in? I’m curious if different states have different coverages available.

 

[Thresher's Reef]

I called my agency and it turns out my current plan actually covers damage to the property from the tank AND even covers the tank if it is broken or is damaged by an accident and not just a leak so I'm all set in that department! Now just gotta figure out if I want to take the risk upstairs or not...

 

[diverjm]

I called my agency and it turns out my current plan actually covers damage to the property from the tank AND even covers the tank if it is broken or is damaged by an accident and not just a leak so I'm all set in that department! Now just gotta figure out if I want to take the risk upstairs or not...

What company are you insured with?