Thanks for all your sympathy. And while I would generally see the good part of having a new floor, all of this is only 6 mos old. Why couldn't I accidently ruin something that needed replacing? Oh well, I am doing my part to stimulate the economy.
Laura-at least I didn't lose any fish. Sounds like you did? Oh no. I'll have to check your post about that out later.
The cleanup guys just told me that the water tracked into my room along the wall. That means I have to move the 75g and the betta sorority. Uhg! I am going to be showering with my fish. There is nowhere to put more tanks! Anyone ever see a fishtank in a closet???
This is important: This stinks, but I learned what to do and you should all know this too. This process would apply in the case of a tank leak or breakage, as well. Moderators might want to consider a sticky with this info for all tank owners. It can mean thousands of dollars if you don't follow the right process. First of all, I am a home owner. This means everything is covered under my homeowners policy:the clean-up crew, labor to move furniture, tanks, etc, all the flooring materials, and contractors to put it back down. All this is covered by insurance of whoever owns your building if you are a renter. If you are a renter you MUST have renters insurance to get any personal property replaced that is damaged. This may not seem important, but it is. I have water damage in nearly every room in my house. The water tracked under the walls. I don't have much nice wood furniture, But right next to that tank is a $2500 entertainment center surrounding a $800 big screen TV that sits right on the floor. I also am worried about the integrity of the wood of the stand that is holding the 150g. Renters insurance is worth every dime you pay for it.
So, you come home to water disaster. Step 1 is to call your insurance company. Renters, call the owner first to get their insurance company involved. The insurance company tells you who to call to start the cleanup process, turns in a claim, and gets the ball rolling. Renters, call your insurance company right after the owner and get guidance. Calling the wrong people without the insurance company's involvement could invalidate your claim. The cleanup crew comes asap and an adjuster from the insurance company heads your way later to get a handle on the amount of damage and next steps. Don't injure yourself trying to move stuff on your own. You risk damaging your property and yourself and it is not necessary. Your insurance covers movers to properly handle anything you cannot. I am moving my own tanks mostly because I can get people to help and I have equipment to empty and fill easily. I prefer to move my fish myself. Also, do not be tempted to let water damage go without professional assessment. I have water in my walls. They are treating it with something to keep my family from having mold and bacterial health issues in the future and testing it for structural integrity. (cover your tanks-that treatment stuff is disintegrating my nose hairs!) You cannot let wet walls and soaked carpet dry on its own. You also really cannot assess for wet walls by touch. They have cool gadgets. Let them use them. Also, I live in Florida. No basements, our homes are built on cement slabs. If you leaked into a basement or another floor underneath you, you have alot more trouble than me. The cleanup guys and the insurance people have told us what to do from the minute they got involved. It makes you feel back in control of a very out-of-control situation. So, verify those policies people! And try not to multi-task, sigh
One more thing- the cleanup guys are telling us to document all the work we are doing ourselves. The insurance company will take money off of our deductible.
Anshuman-perhaps you didn't ask for pics, but I promised to document the tank setup. How can I consider it complete without including this fun?? So, here you go! Picture 1: When this is parked in your driveway, it is rarely a good sign. #2 is my office. It now contains the goldfish and angel tanks. #3 is my kitchen. (I guess we'll be eating out). That's the 150 in the corner and you can see the turtle tank on the table. The turtle, by the way, seems not at all stressed by the whole situation. He is constantly standing up on the front wall stretching his neck out to check out all the activity. I guess he is enjoying a change of scenary. Its kinda cute. #4 is my floor going bye-bye.
No, these tanks were not all in my living room. The turtle and goldies were in my sons room. His floor is ruined, as is my other son's. The tanks needed to move to get out of the way for the cleanup and replacement. There is a bathroom in between their bedrooms. The cabinets are a big question mark right now. The dog bowls in there were floating!
