Breaking Down.

A full 55 gallon aquarium weighs about as much as a well-stocked fridge. 55 gallon tank is about the largest you can go with and still not worry IME. You would not worry about moving your fridge around your house/apartment right? So your tank should be totally fine. Keep it as close to a load bearing wall like everyone else said and you should be fine.

 

hopefully all these opinions & advice have put your mind to ease somewhat. I used to obsess over the original stand my 55g was on. It was a cheaper particle board stand & once I read something about how they bowed & failed I started to worry like crazy. Like you, I couldn't sleep thinking about my tank crashing down. I ended up getting a new solid wood stand, but I never did truly have any issues with my old one. It was just the thought in my head grew into a fear, etc.

A 55g tank is heavy, yes, but like others mentioned, it shouldn't be an issue for any apt./home unless the building is being condemned . At the end of the day though, you have to do what keeps you sane. Even though a million people could tell you it's fine, you are the one that has to believe it, so best of luck with whatever you do with it!

 

Though I was just imagining the people on the 1st floor talking about going on a tropic vacation and a reef tank crashing through their ceiling.. I know I have a sick sense of humor.. LOL... ;D

 

Hehe that is pretty funny.
But it's official. i had a property manager out today with the contractor and they both said the tank has to go. The floor is bowing...(Shoddy aptartment :-/)
So off i am to go buy a 29gallon Bio-cube or a JBJ cube. Please wish me luck in my hunt. I know i'm going to have to take in the eels today, which is horribly sad, but much better than killing my neighboors.
All that progress is gone, but i have to admit i'm a bit excited to set up a new tank. I'm planning on using the sand, rock, and water from my 55.

 

ANd i just want to say THANK YOU ALL for all the comfort you have all tried to give me. It means a tons to me and mine. And thanks for all your help and advice that you gave me on my 55!

 

wish i had a guaranteed way to spread the weight around...but i dont. you could always move it closer to a corner wall and place it on 8ft 2x4's but that would require draining almost everything as well. hope this turns out for you.

BC 29's are nice tho...

 

If it's really that bad I would start apartment hunting because that building probably does not meet minimum code if it cant handle the weight of a 55 gallon tank.

 

+1 to that! I see you are in South Central VA. Where? I am in Richmond and can recommend some apartments....

 

+2 to that I'd be worried for me & my stuff in that aptarment.