Large aquariums

[Hanson77]

Re: Large aquariums

Believe what you want but if memory serves, it was someone on here that had this issues in an "OLDER" apartment complex.

[Anonapersona]

Re: Large aquariums

Hanson, with two tanks in one stand you are probably pushing the limits. You may have a problem with the load per square foot. I have read that you want to position big tanks so that the length goes across the beams in a floor, not between. By doubling up, you are stressing those beams that much more. Depending on how the stand is built, if it has a near solid footprint, it may distribute the load better. Then, of course, you have to worry about whether the stairs turn and how you can get a long tank past that turn without banging a corner. It is quite tragic to be almost up the stairs and then lightly knock the edge of the tank into something and see it crack all the way through...been there, fortunately it was only a 20 gallon tank, not a 75!

[supaflyz]

Re: Large aquariums

Man 2 tank in upstairs apartment is a pain just to move and clean.  I use to have one with oscars.  Had to do regular water change.  Really a pita just to clean it.  Really bad part was the lid was crack.  Cut my achiles tendon while moving it.  Luckily I can still walk straight.

[Hanson77]

Re: Large aquariums

I've got the cleaning and moving fish down to a science.

As far as the stand goes, I was really just thinking out loud.  You could play around with the structure of the base being solid vs. 4 legs.  Then you spread most of your weight out somewhat evenly but then your concern becomes what do you use for the upper portion to hold the top tank.  

I saw someone on here had a stand that had a 125 across the top and I think it was like 4 or 5 20gallon thanks with their end facing you instead of the length.  I used to work with wood for a living so the structural part isn't a problem.  Plus the landings at each floor are very large so getting things up and down the stairs isn't really that tough....just a little exhausting by the time ya get all the way up there.

[High-PH]

Re: Large aquariums

I have my 150 gallon upstairs, here. The house is two-story, but the main living area is upstairs. Call it 'my treehouse'. I had the place built so have a good idea what's underneath, but I still chose what I hope is a strong corner for this tank. Getting friends from work to help haul it up the stairs wasn't pretty, either.  I'm seriously considering leaving it for the new owners (whether they want one or not) if I ever move away.  Sometimes I wish I'd settled for a 75 or 100.

Fishlady, I'm happy not to be the only one with a 150 gallon tank in the kitchen, now.  :)

[Delock]

Re: Large aquariums

I had a 180 setup in a upstairs apartment before. I place the tank along the shared wall between my apartment and the unit behind me. This was the strongest load bearing wall in the unit.

[Hanson77]

Re: Large aquariums

I'm definitely thinking it's time to upgrade my tank sizes.  Made the mistake of going to Geoff's Hall of Tropheus and I thought I had done an gone to heaven.  Not to mention that we helped him bring in another future Tropheus home...LOL.