setting up a 5ft tall tank, considerations

[ml708]

I live in a second floor condo, and was wondering if anyone else has set up a high tank. Any issues with the flooring pressure?

I'm thinking of going for a 5 foot tank with 6 foot length and 3 foot width.

[Arronpsw]

I doubt, in other countries they use wood for flooring so they have to re enforcement the flooring but in sg the flooring is made of concrete so you can safely assume it'll be okay

[thomas_lim]

i'm assuming you are referring to a 5ft X 3ft(width) tank with a 6ft cabinet.

This size should be fine with either 2 ft or 2.5 ft in depth.

[tofubox]

I think he really meant it as 5ft height. Had a chat with him the other day. The mermaid industry is expanding. hehe

[xiggie]

Wow !! Is that gonna be a 6f length ,3f width and 5f depth !!!

There are certain regulations regarding weight for HDB flats , anything above 600kg per room needs to apply for a permit or something.

Not too sure about condos.

[thomas_lim]

Wau.. Then total loading could be bleached...

but will be very nice

[shaohao85]

wa .. u will need dive to clean all the glass .. and climb stairs to feed the fishes ... can't wait to see this marine tank setup

[kenyee]

It will b an impressive setup..strong pumps, wavemakers, lights, chiller, etc are needed..everything must b strong :-) .. require very thick glass or acrylic too.. Legal or not must check..hdb sure buay pass..do factor in the weight danger on the floor too yea..cheers & happy reefing..

[ml708]

I think he really meant it as 5ft height. Had a chat with him the other day. The mermaid industry is expanding. hehe

I was told by my condo management that they feel it exceeds the weight loading, though they aren't exactly sure what it is. However I am going to contact the original developer for information on the floor loading capacity.

I really want to do this!

[Angel Keeper]

If I can have a 5-feet height, I'd place the DT on the ground make a bar counter out of it. Water will probably lead to the sump situated somewhere else in the house.

Angel Keeper

http://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/index.php?/topic/128217-Angel-Keeper's-5-Feet-Mixed-Reef-Tank

[Edmund Koh]

I like that idea Can use an external overflow to overflow into a sump that's not as high as the DT.

[Quas111]

Woah bro serious ah?? 5 feet height... i thought it was typo lolol. Good luck and please post stuff here!! I would live to see how your tank turns out! You willing to do all the maintainence? Haha

[pcw]

5ft high woah can go snorkelling inside already. But if a frag drops... How to pick up haha

[Angel Keeper]

Snorkel loh!

Angel Keeper

http://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/index.php?/topic/128217-Angel-Keeper's-5-Feet-Mixed-Reef-Tank

[Shadow Walker]

Just crunching some numbers - 6ft x 5ft x 3ft will hold 2294 liters of water assuming 90% filled with water. Plus tank add another 200kg? No mention of whether using sump. Weight could be ard 3 ton if add rocks and equipments etc. 1 litre ~ 1kg

[ml708]

Just crunching some numbers - 6ft x 5ft x 3ft will hold 2294 liters of water assuming 90% filled with water. Plus tank add another 200kg?No mention of whether using sump. Weight could be ard 3 ton if add rocks and equipments etc.1 litre ~ 1kg

Yeah, but thing that worries me most though is the pressure per square meter on the flooring due to the water pressure generated by the height.

I was told that if I want to install a 10x3x3 that could be done with no problems though. But with risks associated with such weights I wouldn't want to take that risk unless absolutely sure haha.

Any structural engineers here?

[sherman]

Wow can swimming in the tank. Good to train small children diving and under water photography.

[kenyee]

Yeah, but thing that worries me most though is the pressure per square meter on the flooring due to the water pressure generated by the height.

I was told that if I want to install a 10x3x3 that could be done with no problems though. But with risks associated with such weights I wouldn't want to take that risk unless absolutely sure haha.

Any structural engineers here?

I dun think any structural engineer here can help in accessing if its safe anot unless he/she is the engineer for ur condo plus knowing all the details of materials used, etc & do calculations.. I believe no one will want to put his/her head on the chopping board by approving this as the weight is too much and can't imagine ur floor give way.. not to pour cold water, such tank I feel is more for landed house.. Anyway, still hope u can get ur condo management approval to construct such an impressive tank in ur house.. Camping here for more update yea..cheers & happy reefing

[SubzeroLT]

You will typically need to engage a professional engineer (PE) to certify such matters. Not every building is the same. Hence a 6x5x3ft tank in one building may not be safe in another.

If its a very heavy load, the engineer can advise to locate it in a location where there is a structural beam across. It may not be safe its just cement below it.

Even if you are on the ground floor of a condo, it still needs to be consulted if there could be a basement car park below.

[Ian Fun]

I am keen to know how this worked out for our bro here because i am moving into my condo soon too and am planning on a 7x3x2.5! But the weight would be nearing 2 tons and the weight issue/kilo newton per square thing is bugging me.

THREAD NECROMANCY! * waves staff*

[ml708]

I am keen to know how this worked out for our bro here because i am moving into my condo soon too and am planning on a 7x3x2.5! But the weight would be nearing 2 tons and the weight issue/kilo newton per square thing is bugging me.

THREAD NECROMANCY! * waves staff*

Hey bro, unfortunately as I may be moving out of SG in the 3rd quarter this year, I am unable to complete this project.

However one thing to take note is to check if your condo does have an underground carpark directly below your unit.

I would think overall weight of the tank is not as significant. Other bros have done similar sizes to what you are planning with no problems, even without staying in a ground floor unit, and I hope it works out this way for you!

[Ian Fun]

Sad to hear you cant complete your project and i hope you relocate smoothly! Thanks for the advice!

[ml708]

Sad to hear you cant complete your project and i hope you relocate smoothly! Thanks for the advice!

Dont worry, I am relocating to set up something much much bigger than an ordinary home aquarium. It will take a few years of effort and I hope to succeed

[Ian Fun]

Be sure to share it with us when you do!

[ml708]

Be sure to share it with us when you do!

I will when the time comes