Space Time Tanks

I spent two hours in a tank a few days ago — it was relaxing and meditative. I’ve felt calmer, more focused, and relaxed since. I think I slept a bit better too. Well worth it; I’d highly recommend it to most people.

I floated for the first time yesterday at Space Time Tanks. Overall it was a great experience and I will be back. Here’s a pro’s /​con’s breakdown:
Pros
— Actual floating experience was. Highly recommended!
— Clean! The facility felt clean, a top priority. Had my own shower next to tank with everything needed. Also had personal ear plugs for your float
— Comfort. The place went above and beyond to provide a comfortable atmosphere
— Flexible scheduling. They were able to squeeze me in on short notice
— Helpful staff. The staff person gave me a nice overview of what to expect, how it works, etc. Very helpful for a first timer
— «Float Journals» on lobby coffee table are a nice touch and added comfort
— Package deals offer nice savings
Cons
— Storefront. Have to admit I was a little skeptical when I saw the storefront/​entryway. It looks a little rundown. Don’t let that scare you away. You’d be missing out!
— Tanks looked a bit on the older side. I might not have noticed had I not watched a couple of videos from various floating places with very new looking tanks. This is more of a form than function thing. It didn’t impact the experience of the float
Overall, as a first time floats, this place provided a great experience. I recommend checking it out for yourself.

Wow, I do believe floating could take the place of my normal stress relievers… vodka, wine, massages, golf and lying in the sun! I was a bit freaked out at first, you probably will be too. Let it to, give it a whirl and you too will be hooked! My hubs is incredibly claustrophobic so no way can I convince him to come here but for if you are not I say you must give this place a try.
The staff was great, super clean facility and I had to LOL because in my early 20’s I lived in a crappy little apartment at 2515 N. Lincoln. When the cab pulled up her I was like oh my God I remember what was here before!

The pampas troll at the front desk was extremely rude to me upon visiting for the first time. I came with some friends so that I could check the place out before deciding to go into one of the float tanks. He chastised my friends for bringing me because I wasn’t a paying customer and told my friend «don’t let it happen again». Who says that to a customer? This may be an isolated incident but it does not excuse his behavior.

I’ve been to SpaceTime Tanks twice now. I didn’t know what to expect, but the owner explained the process thoroughly. Cleanliness is emphasized throughout. The whole place is relaxing and non-​intimidating. The price is reasonable given the scarcity of places offering floats and the overall cleanliness. Bonus points for the free parking in Lincoln Park.

Spacetime tanks has an incredible energy. As soon as you walk in take off your shoes you feel at home. The authenticity of the place and simplicity with which they operate adds to the atmosphere. Not many genuine places in the world. This place has soul. They don’t sell you on anything. I don’t believe they even advertise. It’s so natural so aligned. It’s not the place for ego. The staff, is beyond amazing. The float experience is a trip. They create an atmosphere of isolation, a place to recharge And realign with the self. A permission slip to look into whatever you’re carrying around with you. After a few years of floating, I treated myself to a massage with Dan. His energy, passion for massage and dedication to providing me with an hour of his exceptional service is unsurpassed. He is truly one in a million. I’ve received tons of massages and his is the first that I’ve truly see tremendous benefit from. So, much heart and soul in this place. It’s truly a gem, a brilliant place of high energy in a fast paced often dulled world. The best place for those in need to tune in to their senses and higher self. The people that work there are a beautiful, brilliant bunch of humans, not salesmen. That in itself keeps me going back. No pressure, no pre booking, just a service provided for each to take out what they will. A definite gem. Thanks for staying humble and genuine and thank you for all you do.

Great therapeutic getaway in the city! Very cool, clean and therapeutic experience

Wow, what an experience!
I was a little hesitant at first, I mean – who actively looks to get into a dark tank full of salt to be alone with your thoughts?
I went for my second time a few weeks ago – I tend to go when I am struggling with depression, or want to work through some parts of my life that are confusing or unexplored. It was much easier to stay in the tank the entire hour this time – my first experience as a bit uncomfortable and I kept entering and exiting the tank due to anxiety and being freaked out with no distractions and just my mind. It took me a while to adjust, this is something your body does not normally feel, unless maybe you are a meditation master.
Because of the Epson salt, you float right to the top, and once you give in and convince yourself that you will not sink or go anywhere all of the stress and tension leaves your body. It’s pretty amazing. I generally have a lot of stress in my upper back, and floating snaps it out of you.
If you go in with something on your mind, or something you’d like to work through the experience can be very very powerful. I kind of more intensely said things to myself out loud that I already knew — like «you need to be kinder to yourself» «You aren’t a piece of garbage» you know, typical negativity that artists go through – heh.
For me, it felt like I was in the tank for longer than an hour, it’s pretty incredible how time changes when we aren’t surrounded by constant distractions. Walking into the lobby afterwards is always my favorite part – I felt drained in a good way. It felt like all of the negativity was gone from my system, and I could just sit and enjoy my environment. I felt grounded, positive, aware of myself and my body, and felt no sense of needing to rush.
Once I have more money, I’d like to buy a month pass, and go consistently 1 – 2 times a week. I think this form of relaxation is incredibly important and mind-​opening. I’ve frequently seen an acupuncturist as well as a massage therapist, and this is a step beyond that.
Enjoy.

Space Time Tanks is the perfect place to to relax and rest. I’ve floated here twice so far and each time has been amazing and I have felt so much better and ready to face the world again.
The staff are amazing and knowledgeable. From the moment you walk in the door the staff are welcoming and helpful. The first time I went to wore my contacts and they were so kind; they gave me a case and solution so I wouldn’t have to risk wearing them in the tank.
The atmosphere is warm, clean, and soothing. From the meditation music to the tea everything helps you to begin your relaxation before your float and continue the calm after.
Floating is hard to describe but you should try it as long as you are not claustrophobic. It allows you to remove yourself from the world and let everything go. You come out feeling serene and refreshed.

Simply the weirdest and most awesome thing I’ve ever done. Talk about spiritual hour. The facility was perfect. It’s very welcoming and very peaceful and you can feel that as soon as you walk in. It’s very personal and freeing. I recommend this experience and location for any open minded individual looking to go that extra step in self discovery. My boyfriend got me into this and I’m addicted. It’s now something we will do together on a regular basis.

Customer service was insulting and rude. I called up to book an appointment for my wife and I and when the woman told me many people enter the tanks nude, I asked if there were any security cameras in any area where I might be nude.
She said «What an insulting question! We’ve been in business for over 30 years and we were doing fine before we met you, and we’ll be doing fine without your business. If you’re asking that question you shouldn’t be coming here»
Wait, what? After I pay you $ 120 for your service, this is how you answer a basic question? With an arrogant, haughty, childishly defensive response?
I’ve never in my whole life seen such randomly terrible customer service. When I replied that it’s a fair question and many places have security cameras, she continued saying how insulted she was and how she didn’t need my business.
What?
Very weird reaction to what I deem a normal question. If this is how you treat customers, I don’t know how you stay in business.
Check Lauren E. ‘s comment from below. Clearly there is a history of treating customers poorly. The response to her comment is laughably smug and rude.
I wonder if they can find it within themselves to not be sarcastic and customer-​blaming when responding to this comment.

SpaceTime tanks is the most relaxing experience I have ever been a part of.
If you know how to relax and need a place to do it, SpaceTime is the space for you. Even if you have a hard time relaxing I suggest giving this experience a try. It is unlike anything else you can be a part of anywhere else.
Complete sensory deprivation.
I will try and explain it but the only way to fully understand is to just try it. SpaceTime Tanks provides a complete sensory deprivation experience unlike any other. Imagine being in a space where all of your senses are completely void of use. You don’t hear anything, see anything, smell anything, or feel anything. That is right you can’t even feel.
SpaceTime Tanks offers floatation tanks at $ 50 an hour. Upon entering SpaceTime you are asked to shut off your phone and take off your shoes. The lobby is the beginning to your relaxing experience. From the outside of the building off of Lincoln you would never expect such a calming a peaceful space. There are several couches for you to sit in while you sign a questionnaire if it is your first time there. This area is dimly lit with some lamps and candlelight.
If it is your first time someone will guide you to all of the things you need to know about the floating experience. Each private room has a floatation tank, shower, chair, towel and candlelight. They will explain to you how to shower before and after entering/​exiting the tank. They will tell you how to feel your way in and around the inside of the tank with the crevice on the door. The door is light and not difficult to find as it is located by your feet. You are encouraged to lay with your head towards the back of the tank as this is where oxygen is pumped into the tank. They provide ear plugs for your floating as your head will be partially under water just past your ears.
After you shower be sure to dry your face off completely before entering as you don’t want to have water dripping down your face. This will urge you to wipe your face while in the tank and possibly get the salt water solution in your eyes. You enter the tank completely nude in order to relieve yourself of any tension on your body. You are in a room by yourself so there is nothing to worry about in terms of privacy. The way the experience works is that the water solution in the tank is about 10 inches deep. You enter a tank that is about 8 feet long and 4 feet tall and wide. Once you shut the door the tank will be completely void of light. The earplugs not only keep water out but also eliminates any faint sounds. The water is set to maintain a temperature close to your body temp. The same is done to maintain the temperature of the air in the tank as well.
Upon entering the tank you lay on your back and let your body float. You do not have to focus on floating but it may take you a while to find your balance between the walls of the tank. Don’t push off too hard and just relax and soon you will find yourself in the middle of the tank with no sense of space. You also don’t need to worry about going under the water as it is not that deep. Find the right level for your head being under water and the rest of your body should be pretty simple. From here your only other decision is where to place your arms. There are several options from down by your side to up above your head, across your chest, or anywhere that is the most comfortable to you. I have done both at my sides and above my head and enjoy the feeling of both.
Once you have found your equilibrium it is up to you what you want to make of the experience. I enjoy it for the complete relief of all tension on your body. I prefer this over any massage. With all senses removed you are in complete control of your thoughts. Use this time to be creative, think deeply, or don’t think at all. It is possible to be so relaxed that you may even fall asleep. Concentrate on your breathing and choose between keeping your eyes open or closed but you won’t see anything anyway as it is pitch black. The only way I can try and put it into words is as if you were floating in outer space. Having never been I imagine it is nothing like it but that is the only way I can describe this feeling. You are relieved of all pressure, light and sound.
SpaceTime Tanks is a must try for anyone seeking a relaxing experience unlike any other.

I initially gave this place a three star review because I was given bad information about how long the process would take from start to finish when I called (though, whoever I talked to was very pleasant) and ended up having to change my appointment to the following week on arrival. I could only review to say that desk attendant William Faith as curt in a way that came off as very rude.
And almost immediately after my Unilocal review was posted, someone name Sarah from Spacetime Tanks called me to «apologize.» Her apology consisted of some reiteration that Spacetime tanks have been operating for over 30 years, no one had ever found William to be unpleasant and was generally a thinly-​veiled indictment of my own energy. How interesting that a place that markets itself as a haven for the stressed is so particular about the energy you come in with. You’d think they’d be receptive to people who aren’t exactly in harmony.
And it is quite sad. People come to healing modalities such as yoga, meditation or floating for a variety of reasons. Sometimes their energy isn’t in the right place which is why these modalities are necessary. I am dealing with an unexpected family tragedy and feel like I haven’t been treated with thought or consideration or respect by the representatives of this business. So far, two of the three I’ve encountered have been unpleasant to deal with (something I feel a bit more sensitive to at present) and I feel worse for the experience.
My advice: skip this unless you’re one of the lucky few who has perfectly balanced energy.

Some of us watch TV discovering such places like this and think, sensory deprivation, that might be interesting. Whether or not you are into these types of things, the novelty of it opens the mind. Homer Simpson did it, why not…
Without saying too much about my personal experience in the tank, I will say the ambiance was really clean, nice, and soothing. Everyone has their own room with a tank and a shower with soap, towels, and even ear plugs to wear during your float.
It’s a spa for the new agey group. I’m glad a bunch of us did it, a unique discussion commenced afterwards. It does kinda feel like floating in space as you bounce around, but after a while I felt a little nauseous, maybe it’s all that detoxifying from the magnesium. It also got quite stuffy and warm, I couldn’t float in the tank for too long and occassionally sat up to get some air. This was when I realized the bottom of the tank is how it’s evenly heated. Everyone has a different experience going in, so if this is something you are interested in doing, this facility is a great place to go. The guy who runs the tanks is very informative and will prep you before you get in. Remember, you’ll be in salt water, so any cuts or dry skin will sting or itch a bit.
The rare thing in this neighborhood is there is a giant parking lot in the back for the mall.

I returned today after a long time away looking forward to repeating an experience I had last time with a combo massage and float. Eapecially after braving a snowstorm and looking forward to closing my day off in a relaxing way.
I spoke with the owner whom I had never met and I was overall feeling good going into the experience. Afterward, of course, it was glorious as expected, and just what I needed.
So I was absolutely shocked to get a voice mail that I no longer welcome there because the tank was not left in the same condition as I left it. I am shocked and stunned and what was a great experience has now turned into a negative one.
The voice mail was courteous enough but was vague as to why, mentioned a one strike policy and that it would save embarrassment to not discuss. I have no idea what that means and, to my recollection, I left it in the same condition as the last two times I visited.
I have no idea what I did and it would seem I never will. Be aware of it and perhaps ask before you go in so that this doesn’t happen to you.

Just like any good treasure, this place is very well hidden. The outside of the entire building looks abandoned. After entering the building, look for the SpaceTime Tanks sign. Before entering their space you must take off your shoes and ring the doorbell, as soon as you enter you’re quietly greeted and they encourage you get comfortable.
William was at the front desk, he did a great job at quickly explaining the basics. The products they have are great (you can find these in Whole Foods). After your session is over, you’re more than welcome to sit and relax in the lobby, drink some tea, and even draw or write on the journals they provided. Don’t expect to relax on your first float, consider it a learning experience, simply see what works for you and what doesn’t. I’m totally coming back!

On a list of «off the wall» things to do in Chicago, this would almost certainly top the list. I got a free hour long session in the floatation tanks as a gift, and I was excited to go here after hearing of it on Reddit. I enjoyed my experience and I would recommend it to others to try at least once– with one big caveat.
As others have said, the location is odd, but big whoop. Just look for the building number on the window outside. The lobby is nice, quiet, and shoe free.
On to the floating. You’re guided about the experience and everything you could need or want is in the private room. Just rinse off and get to floating.
The floating itself is a unique and fascinating sensation. It speaks for itself so I won’t dare to say it «changes your life» or that you «come out a new person.» Be open minded about it. It could do those things, if you let it.
As a first timer I made the mistake of getting salt in my eyes. Once you go in there, keep them closed, and don’t touch your eyes. That way you don’t have to interrupt the experience by getting up– maximize your «not doing anything» time.
Now for my caveat– I did emerge from the tank feeling relaxed, but I can’t say if it was nearly drifting to sleep in the tank or just the novelty of the experience. *I will say that learning even a tiny bit of meditation could improve your experience infinitely!* My mind was racing as it always does, and maybe that’s just me, but a way to clear my mind would have helped tons. Not their fault, but worth noting.
In total: Spacetime is cool, safe, relaxing, and one of the more novel things you can do out here. Just don’t set your expectations impossibly high like I feel some reviewers/​new age hippies here want you to do.

If you’ve never floated, you are missing out. Sure, I was a bit hesitant at first — I’m semi-​claustrophobic, I’m horrifically awful at staying still for long periods of time, and the entire thing seemed a bit too «new age-​y» for me.
One float and I’m a total believer.
As a first timer, the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, explaining the entire float process from start to finish. Their system is extremely efficient, and the space is warm and inviting. Don’t be put off by the weird, old building and semi-​basement location — once you step into the facility, it’s completely renovated.
I believe in Epsom Salts to heal muscles and injuries. Combined with the relaxation offered by floating, it’s a pretty awesome combination. I emerged after an hour more refreshed and relaxed than after a massage (and at $ 50 a pop, way more cost effective).

SpaceTime tanks is one of Chicago’s real gems. The service that I received tonight was very good; and I had a great hour in the flotation chamber.
There are a variety of benefits associated with time in one of the chambers; the internet is littered with claims of people kicking their smoking habit, or thinking up an idea that gets them a promotion. I don’t know about any of that; but it is a wonderful setting for probing the reaches of your mind, or simply relaxing.
This may not be for everyone, but I highly suggest you try it.

Wow! This worked wonders! A friend told me about Flotation Therapy when I told him about my severe arm injury — tendinitis and carpel tunnel, for which I’ve been treating with an orthopedic and physical therapists. I’m about to start a new job and was desperate to try anything to get better, and fast. Besides, I needed stress relief as well.
I was AMAZED that after 1hr of floating, which is not at all scary or claustrophobic as one might think, I came out to shower and realized I could bend my arm!!! It was like nothing ever happened! I can’t explain it, maybe it was the relaxation or the salt, but I had felt like I hadn’t any injury at all! I’ve been trying physical therapy, acupuncture, and simply resting before, but this was just a remarkable recovery that I just can’t explain.
The building itself looks awful and run down from the outside, but when you walk into the facility, it looks like paradise — better than any spa I’ve been to! Very surprising. Everything was immaculate and clean. It’s a very calming atmosphere, so I immediately felt better about my decision to try this. I’ve uploaded a picture of the lobby.
You get your own room which is very spa-​like, very nice, with shower and heat lamp. The tank itself is 8 feet x 4 feet, which is quite large… I could reach out my arms both sides and barely touch the wall. It’s filled with about 10″ of water and Epsom salt so you just lay floating with no effort whatsoever (which is the idea — complete relaxation). The water is at body temperature, so you barely feel it as well, and you wear ear plugs so you can’t hear either — no distractions. It takes ¹⁵⁄₂₀ minutes or so to get truly comfortable and relaxed without being distracted with your own body and just «be». The next 40 minutes felt just right and I was at complete ease. I just saw a remarkable recover after 1 session!
I mentioned it to my ortho, and he wasn’t surprised, given the history of treatment with salt water (dead sea, etc.) for which people had used as treatment ages ago. I especially like that this wasn’t at all invasive. They’ve decided to explore it as potential treatment for other patients as well.
I’m so great full for the results that I just had to write this review. Definitely try it — it was cheaper than a massage and with greater results!