Leveling an Aquarium

[Quatro]

Hey,

I am just setting up my new 75gal (a big thanks to darkdep for reserving one for me at the boxing day sale) and am trying to get the water level.  I have it 1/4 full and measured from the bottom of the tank to the top of the water.  There is a 5/8" difference from one side to the other.  I just added a piece of wood under one side and the water is now level.  I am concerned about the gap that has been created and hope some structural engineer can alleviate my concerns.  Thanks

I attached a picture (I tried to draw it to scale).
green = floor
red = original particle board stand
blue = extra 2x4's I added (front and back)
yellow = wood added to level tank

Mike S

[james]

Hi
What you can also do is use some foam under the tank if it is not level. For 5/8 '" differance the weight of the tank should self level itself on the foam.

James

[TBarb]

Rona or Homedepot sells wooden shims that you can place underneath every few inches to balance the load on the floor. Just cut off the excess

[Mila]

Looking on your picture you should shim it under  each verical suport.

[darkdep]

After looking at your picture, I would second Mila's suggestion...get shims and put them underneath the vertical points (so, 4 per side) and cut/snap off the excess.  You should be fine then.  I also wholeheartedly suggest a layer of 1/2" styrofoam under the tank itself (between stand and tank).  You can get big sheets of this at home depot for about $2.00 in the insulation section.

[Quatro]

Great.  Thanks for the info.  I don't think I can shim along the back because there is a wall in my way (I'll try though).  I'm gonna try the foam under the stand (20" at 1" thick then 16" at 1/2" thick) then shim along the front.  That should give me a sturdy base and it should crush down to the thickness I need (I'll still use the piece of wood I have in there now).  For the foam between the stand and the aquarium, should I cut it larger then the footprint of the tank or smaller?

Mike S

[darkdep]

Well, it only needs to be the size of the tank...but Styrofoam is hard to cut perfectly.  Aim for an extra 1/2 inch on all sides just so you have some play room.

[luvfishies]

I wouldn't put foam between the stand and floor. Is that what you meant when you said

I'm gonna try the foam under the stand (20" at 1" thick then 16" at 1/2" thick) ?

[Quatro]

I wouldn't put foam between the stand and floor. Is that what you meant when you said

I'm gonna try the foam under the stand (20" at 1" thick then 16" at 1/2" thick) ?

In the picture you see the white gap under the stand.  I will still use the wood support block but the foam should fill in the gap and add support (I'm talking ridged styrofoam, not the sponge like foam).

Mike S

[darkdep]

As long as it's for gap filling and not for actual weight support, it's ok.  If the styrofoam is holding weight it'll not be as solid as it appears...

[Quatro]

The stand is level and the tank has been filled with water for 24 hours.  I plan on letting it cycle for a while but am considering making some custom shims (once I get access to some tools again).  Thanks for everyones help.

Mike S