HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hey all,

I'm rebuilding from nothing after giving everything (and everyone) up to move a little over a year ago. Now I'm on the second floor of an apartment and am a bit concerned about weight of a tank, so I'd like to hear about y'all's second floor tank weights and sizes!

This is for 3 Es, btw. I'm going back and forth between a 65G and a 50G. I initially wanted a 75G but the dimensions just make it unrealistic in my little apartment living room. Here's my reasoning on the other two:

50G:
-would save money
-lighter
-similar footprint to 65G

65G:
-more vertical space for E activity
-doesn't take up any more horizontal space than 50G
-but it weighs more
-more expensive

My only real dilemma is weight, so what do you think? Is there a significant difference? Should I stay on the small side?

Considering they're Es, I really want it to be as large as safely possible, with a footprint around 36x25".

TIA! Y'all rock.

Do you already have the es? Or are you planning to buy es? They are hard to find

Sent from my C5215 using Tapatalk

kieagcarm wrote:Do you already have the es? Or are you planning to buy es? They are hard to find

Sent from my C5215 using Tapatalk

I'll explore my options when I'm ready to populate. I'm far from that part.

If the two tanks have a similar footprint, the weight would not be that different, would it? I assume that most of what your gaining is the verticals space above the substrate which isn't going to add so much. If you use it as an opertunity to have deeper substrate, that would add more weight.

anann wrote:If the two tanks have a similar footprint, the weight would not be that different, would it? I assume that most of what your gaining is the verticals space above the substrate which isn't going to add so much. If you use it as an opertunity to have deeper substrate, that would add more weight.

Well, technically the tank does have more glass, so it will weigh more.
However, in saying all, I personally think that most buildings could handle a tank 75G or less, including the the usuals for the crabs. However, getting a structural engineer will give you peace of mind and ensure that you flooring can hold a largish tank. I imagine laying the stand of pine sleepers - or board - will help distribute the weight, so that would help.

I had a 40gB half full with sand and i was on the second floor of a really crappy apartment and it was fine. not sure how much it weighed

ErikRasmussen wrote:I had a 40gB half full with sand and i was on the second floor of a really crappy apartment and it was fine. not sure how much it weighed

Thanks! My ~350 lbs of substrate is doing fine.