New and looking for advice

[FloridaGuy]

Hello everyone! I'm Michael and I'm new to the salwater community and I would like some advice. I would like to setup at least a 40 gal reef tank, but my question is. I live on a 3rd floor apartment and would the weight of the tank, water and coral be ok? I don't know a whole lot at the moment and still doing some research and I probably wont start my project for at least a couple more months

 

[robbrouse]

I'm guessing most apartment managers would not be cool with that. I'd talk to them first. Not knowing how the apartments were constructed makes this question hard to answer. I would think a 40 gallon would be ok. Guessing it would be around 400 pounds.

I had a buddy that set up a 45 in his apartment and was told to take it down of move.

 

[808jaymakoa]

I have a 55 gallon in my apartment and no issues

 

[NanaReefer]

If anything I'd definitely find out where the floor joist are and set up accordingly

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

Moved to current forum.

Welcome to R2R!! I live in an apartment and I have two tanks - a 55 and 30. I would review your lease to see what the maximum tank size allowed is. I know my apartment complex would not let me keep a tank larger than a 55.

 

[808jaymakoa]

Let me put something in perspective for you. If you fill up your tub in your apartment, how much do you think it weighs?

 

[808jaymakoa]

Although I know bathrooms are reinforced more than let's say your living room.

 

[FloridaGuy]

Thanks for all y'alls feedback. Jaymakoa you do have a point and I never really thought bout that

 

[robbrouse]

But your bathtub does not stay full 24/7/365. just saying.

 

[Coraloliseffect]

once you add everything, sump pump rock stand, tank, etc. I would suspect approaching 700+ lbs.
best to check on stated live loads for the apt. If its a big place they have had the question before.
A bigger stand would spread out the load better.
But three large dudes standing back to back other would take up a similar foot print and could hit 700 lbs.

 

[robbrouse]

I think some people here are missing the point. The bathtub sure, the guys standing together yes, might out weight your tank and the floor might even buckle or creek, but again the tank will never move. Its a constant weight on the same 3x3 or whatever foot print. I'm not saying it will not work. just need to check and makes sure if within your lease to do so...

 

[kacrocorals581]

First check and see if you can have one no point in spending a lot of money and one day someone comes in to change your air filter finds it and tell you that you have to move it or you move. That being said long as it's located on a load bearing wall it well be fine we've had thousands of pounds of wood on 4th floor apartments we were building. hope this helps and good luck if you do set up your aquarium.

 

[Paul C.]

What size tank are you hoping is allowed? What kind of tank would you like to have? Fish, coral or both?

 

[FloridaGuy]

I'm hoping I can get at least a 40 gallon tank and do fish and coral