Tankhouse Float is located in Wichita, KS at 133 N Glendale, just east of Oliver off of Douglas. It is about 50-75 yards north of Douglas on the west side of Glendale. The building is yellow brick, with 133 and the Experience Wellness Chiropractic sign facing the street. Parking is in the rear, as well as the entrance. You will see parking signs for Tankhouse Float in the lot.
I met the owner, Alan, who was very friendly, and talked with him a bit regarding what to expect as I had never floated in an isolation deprivation tank before. I was informed when I made the appointment not to shave 2 days prior to floating because the salt water could potentially irritate my skin, or any cuts or scrapes I might have. Alan also advised me to bring glasses if I wear contacts. He said if I were to get salt water in my eyes it would hurt, and if I have contacts in, it would really, really hurt.
When Alan took me into the float room he showed me the float pod and explained that the water was around 10" deep and maintained at body temperature. It has 1,000 lbs of Epsom salt in it, which is what keeps you buoyant. You can float with the lid open or closed. There is a button in the pod to play the provided music, or you can bring your own. I did not ask for this to be expounded upon. I just assumed this meant I could plug in my iPhone. Next to the music button is a nob that turns a light on in the pod (see photo). They provide you with ear plugs, which I did wear, and inside the pod are a small head support and a washcloth if your face should get wet. In the room there is a sink and mirror, and also a shower. They prefer you shower if you have not prior to visiting them. I told Alan, I would have wanted the person before me to have showered, so I would. Theyfilter the water after every float, but it's just to wash the oils off your body before getting in. They also advise you to shower afterwards to rinse the salt off of your body. I put in the ear plugs after rinsing off in the shower, not because I felt the salt water would bother me, getting it in my ears, but to step up the sound isolation. I totally forgot to take out my contacts, but wasn't even aware of this until after my float. It wasn't even an issue.
I got in the pod, closed the lid, and laid back in the water. It was neat, floating on the top. When I pushed my legs down to get situated they would just pop right back up. I floated for a minute or so with the light inside the pod on. I pushed the button to play their house music. It was perfect, kind of a soothing trance type music, probably what some massage therapists might play. I could hear it even though I had the ear plugs in. When I turned the light inside the pod off, I could see a tiny bit of light coming through the crack in the pod lid. The light in the room is on a motion sensor, and shut off after a moment. In the beginning, my neck got a little stiff. They told me that could happen, which is why they provide the head rest, however I wanted nothing touching my body, and I soon either forgot about the stiffness, or it simply vanished.
This was the first time in my life all of my senses were cut off. It was pitch black, no smell, no sound or taste, and I soon became unaware of my limbs. It was like floating in the womb, I imagined. I cleared my head of all thoughts. As the music played I became extremely relaxed. After a bit, I began to see lights being shined on the lid of the pod from the outside, like faint swirling colors dancing, melting away. At times my eyes would close, and when I opened them, I would see very vibrant, intense colors, very briefly. I would try to concentrate on them, and they would shrink to nothing. They advise you not to drink caffeine the day of your float so you can completely relax. I did not want to fall asleep, but it's ok to. After floating for one hour, the light inside the pod came on, and the water began filtering. I opened the lid, the motion sensor light in the room came on, and I took a shower and dressed. Only then did I realize I didn't take my contacts out, but again, it wasn't a problem. My face never got wet.
I went out into the lobby and Alan asked me how it was. I told him my thoughts, and paid for my hour. I asked him about the lights that were swirling around outside the pod. He asked, "You saw lights?" I told him yes, didn't he say there were lights in there? He told me no, just the motion sensor light. His brother, who was in the lobby, said "You had a psychedelic experience, man!" I said smiling, "I guess I did!"
During the drive home I felt like I had been relieved of an enormous stress, but I hadn't been stressed before, which was interesting. The following day, I still felt very relaxed.
I personally had a wonderful experience and do plan on going back. I hope this review is helpful, and highly suggest you experience the isolation deprivation pod at Tankhouse Float for yourself. read more