Reef Tank in an Apartment?

[FishyDP]

The only tank I ever had bust a seam was in a 2nd floor condo. Have had a dozen difderent tanks in single family homes, never an issue.. of course. But yea agree with insurance and checking with landlord, and make sure the tank is level as can be and silicone in good shape. Have to worry about your apartment as well as surrounding residents/liability. Double check with insurance, they don't always cover what they say they will..floods happen in this hobby.

 

[reefinatl]

Would a 55 gallon qualify as a small amount, in your experience?

55g has arguably the worst dimensions for a reef and all the logistics and headaches of a larger tank. Go with a 40breeder, or any of the many cubes and AIO setups from various vendors or do a 75/90/110.

Find out what their policy is and plan accordingly or keep shopping around, carry renters insurance that includes your liabilities.

I progressed from a 29g through a 55, 75, 90 all while constantly moving every year in college and shortly after. The jump from 29g to 55 was huge. The suck factor between 55,75,90 was not really any different.

 

[Joe Tony]

55g has arguably the worst dimensions for a reef and all the logistics and headaches of a larger tank. Go with a 40breeder, or any of the many cubes and AIO setups from various vendors or do a 75/90/110.

Find out what their policy is and plan accordingly or keep shopping around, carry renters insurance that includes your liabilities.

I progressed from a 29g through a 55, 75, 90 all while constantly moving every year in college and shortly after. The jump from 29g to 55 was huge. The suck factor between 55,75,90 was not really any different.

What about a 54 gallon corner tank?

 

[FishyDP]

My first reef tank around 3 years ago was a non-drilled corner aqueon 54g. I personally liked the dimensions. Not too deep to get your arms in, good surface area, good depth. Can keep a nice pair of clowns and a few other fish. The best part for me was the front to back dimensions, can create some nice 3d rock scapes. I have seen prices as low as $300 with wood stand included, during sales.

 

[reefinatl]

What about a 54 gallon corner tank?

Have at it. It's only the ant farm feel of the typical 55 that I hated. Corners are cool.

 

[tehmadreefer]

It’s sucks but isn’t the end of the world. My apt says limit is 24g but I have a 60g, so meh

 

[Joe Tony]

How much would renter's insurance cost for a reef tank?

 

[Steven Garland]

How much would renter's insurance cost for a reef tank?

I don't think or better yet,have never heard of specific renters insurance for a reef tank. Its just basic insurance,for renters. It covers most things that could happen while staying at a specific place.

I would do a quick google search and see if you can find anything pertaining to policies and reef tanks.

 

[Jimbo662]

I've got a WB Frag 105.4 on the 2nd floor with no issues. Did a Y to the washer hookup. The complex is about 3 yrs old. They only required standard renters ins.

 

[ScottJ]

This would be a permanent thing for me.

If there is one thing I've learned in 60 some years on this earth, it's that NOTHING is permanent.

 

[James_O]

Talking to the landlord would be the first step - there’s no sense in discussing what you could have, when you could know what you can have.

The answer will most likely be under 30 gallons, so in other words, a nano tank. Nothing wrong with nanos!

 

[iMi]

I'd recommend a small reef that is fairly easy to break down and move in a way that allows you to restart at a new location with minimum hustle. Stay under 20-30 gallons.

Living in an apartment, at least in my experience, was great for mobility and made it easy to move when needed. Having a large reef would undercut that benefit significantly. Even if you plan on staying long-term, you're more likely to move as opposed to a house dweller. The building could be sold and redeveloped, the landlord could not renew your lease for any reason, the landlord could go bankrupt, etc. Leases have to be honored in sale/transfer or even bank foreclosure but you get the point.

 

[Joe Tony]

I'd recommend a small reef that is fairly easy to break down and move in a way that allows you to restart at a new location with minimum hustle. Stay under 20-30 gallons.

Living in an apartment, at least in my experience, was great for mobility and made it easy to move when needed. Having a large reef would undercut that benefit significantly. Even if you plan on staying long-term, you're more likely to move as opposed to a house dweller. The building could be sold and redeveloped, the landlord could not renew your lease for any reason, the landlord could go bankrupt, etc. Leases have to be honored in sale/transfer or even bank foreclosure but you get the point.

That's good to know. Thanks!

 

[Joe Tony]

What about my yellow polyps? I know they can give off palytoxins if they're cut, though I don't plan on fragging them and I'm good with wearing gloves. Should I just not mention it to the landlord knowing I'll be responsible with them?