Between the tank and the stand

[solitude127]

Hello all,
I'm in the process of setting up my 60*30*20 glass tank and I was wondering what, if anything, do you put between the stand and the tank. I've read that people put foam insulation (http://www.homedepot.com/Building-M...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053) in between to correct any for part of the wood that is not flat. And if you do put the foam, how think should it be? Thanks for any and all help

 

[sfsuphysics]

If the glass has a rim around it such that the glass doesn't actually touch the stand I don't know that I'd even bother with anything under it. Its when the glass touches that you have to worry about high points and the like. Tempered glass is REALLY strong... unless you manage to puncture the surface.

 

[ArizonaReefer]

If the glass has a rim around it such that the glass doesn't actually touch the stand I don't know that I'd even bother with anything under it.

If this is the actual case, my opinion is that you should not use foam under it due to the risk of the foam creating pressure points on the glass.

 

[jrw]

What if it looks like this?

Left Side

Right Side

Center

 

[razer12]

Is the tank on tile or carpet? Also check it with a level on center and sides. you can use wooden shims and cover it up with some trim.

 

[jrw]

That tank is on hardwood flooring.

 

[solitude127]

If the glass has a rim around it such that the glass doesn't actually touch the stand I don't know that I'd even bother with anything under it. Its when the glass touches that you have to worry about high points and the like. Tempered glass is REALLY strong... unless you manage to puncture the surface.

The tank is made by LeeMar so the glass would be touching the wood on the stand.

 

[serpentman]

JRW, I had a buddy with a similar issue. Not to fear monger but All was well for 2 years on his 220 and then a seam went, and went fast. Personally, I would work on fixing the stand, perhaps by shimming under it. Once you get it close, put 1/2 inch foam between the tank and stand.

 

[jrw]

The tank is made by LeeMar so the glass would be touching the wood on the stand.

Does this mean there is no frame on the tank bottom and just glass to glass?

If so and the glass will sit on the stand with no bottom frame then the foam insulation would be a good idea. From my understanding, and I may be incorrect, the problem results with a tank made with a frame and then placing that glass on the foam. The load would then transmit not to the frame but upwards on the bottom piece of glass causing it to unbond at the bottom.

 

[solitude127]

Does this mean there is no frame on the tank bottom and just glass to glass?

If so and the glass will sit on the stand with no bottom frame then the foam insulation would be a good idea. From my understanding, and I may be incorrect, the problem results with a tank made with a frame and then placing that glass on the foam. The load would then transmit not to the frame but upwards on the bottom piece of glass causing it to unbond at the bottom.

Correct, no frame. How thick do you think the foam should be?

 

[sfsuphysics]

Ah, then I'd go with something simple like 1/4" stuff, nothing too fancy, the idea is if there are any high points it wouldn't put a point of pressure on the tank. Most likely with a glass tank it'll compress the foam to near nothing anyways