180g (6x2x2) Tank/Stand Slightly Leaning

[MKReefTank]

Hi all, need some input. After filling my 180g reef tank with water to test plumbing, return pump, etc. I noticed my tank and stand is leaning slightly forward. After noticing the tank/stand was leaning forward, I check my floor and it has a small slope from the wall inward. According to the level, the front of the tank needs to be raised about 1/8 of an inch to be perfectly level. Since I am in the initial setup phase and because the water I filled it with is from the tap, now would be the time to drain and make changes. I am assuming I should place shims in between the stand and the floor (which is carpet)? Any suggestions on what kind of shims to use? Wood? Plastic? Composite? I have heard wood shims will compress over time and plastic ones will crack. Also will shimming have any negative effect on the stand? Interested to hear your thoughts and suggestions.

 

[benihana]

Use plastic shims, wood shims will wick any moisture/water that spills and rot over time.

But absolutely, drain and level the tank now...no need for needed pressure on the front seam...that could lead to a catastrophic failure

 

[discocarp]

I use composite shims. I would definitely level the tank now. You are correct, shim between the stand and the floor.

 

[leveldrummer]

instead of shims, if its the same all the way across, find a 6' peice of material thats 1/8" thick and shim the whole stand with one peice instead.

 

[Mark...]

Can you get under the floor and raise and support the tank with the tank empty? The drop might be do to a structural problem, and could get worse over time if you don't address it now.

 

[syrinx]

On a carpeted floor, there is usually a tack strip that is 1/8 thick ( approx) It is usually 1.5 inches from the wall. Moving the tank out slightly may help. While many if not most rooms are a little higher at the wall than they are a foot out, it is usually not cause for concern. I do agree with the whole length shim, ripped out of green treat 2x4 for the front of the tank, but usually you would put regular shims on the end, since there will be some triangulation there. SO basically you would shim the ends with shims pointing towards the wall, and then the long 1/8 shim along the front between the end shims. I also agree that the floor should be looked into structurally- as a precaution-but think shimming likely will correct the issue with it being so slight.

 

[MKReefTank]

Thanks all! I went ahead and picked up some composite shims from HD and inserted them all along under the front of the stand.

 

[MKReefTank]

The floor was reinforced underneath by a 6x6x8 supported by two floor jacks.