Foam under tank question

[Anchovy]

I bought the pink foam board to put under the tank (3/4 inch). My question is do I cut it so it fits only under the glass or do the edges sit on the foam? I thought it would be the first option, but I just want to make sure. I've got someone to help Garrett move the tank today so I'd like to get everything done! Thanks!

 

[acrodave]

I would trim it up to the edge of the tank

 

[Anchovy]

So the edges would be sitting on the foam? Sorry, I guess I need it spelled out .

 

[cee]

Full sheet under my 125 for 3 years or so w/ no problems.

 

[acrodave]

That is just what i would do..Never tried it my self tho

 

[cee]

Kinda depends on the tank. If the "rim" is "raised", then it is designed for the weight to be evenly distributed on the "rim". If it is totally flat on the bottom, then it's designed for the weight to be equally distributed across the entire bottom. Most tanks I've seen are of the first type as is mine. Just don't try to put extra styrofoam inside of the "rim" if your tank is of the first type or the bottom will break.

 

[Anchovy]

It is the first kind you mentioned so I was wrong. Glad I asked ! Thanks for the help!

 

[cee]

If you use a full sheet of styrofoam, you'll be fine. I was only referring to stacking an additional smaller sheet on top of the single sheet. That could crack you bottom if it contacted the glass, especially after the weight of the water is in the tank.

 

[digidana]

glass cages gave me a huge piece of styrofoam with the tank and said to put it from edge to edge of the trim...

 

[EvilMel]

I put my old tank from GC on foam from edge of trim to edge of trim, just like Dana said, so the tank's trim sits ON the foam.

 

[Anchovy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11888773#post11888773 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by EvilMel
I so the tank's trim sits ON the foam.

Mel~ It sounds like you already know how my brain works !

Thanks guys!

 

[EvilMel]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11890542#post11890542 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Anchovy
Mel~ It sounds like you already know how my brain works !

hah hah...I edited my post to add that part because I just wanted to be 100% clear! hah hah. I know how hard it can be to decipher what people are saying on here without visual aids.

 

[TriMax]

My two acrylic tanks are of the second type that Dave described. The sides sit on top of the bottom. It voids the warranty of some manufactures to NOT use the styrofoam on this type of tank. It would seem like edge to edge would work for either type. The foam is used to provide a flat surface on which the acrylic can rest. Since the weight of the tank/water is supported by the bottom and the not sides, the bottom needs to be flat, and must be supported not only on the sides and front but also in the middle.

This may not be true of all glass tanks (weight supported by the vertical pieces), but it would seem like it would be for larger glass tanks. It is true for all but the smaller acrylic tanks (weight supported supported by the bottom). At least that is what I read before I got my acrylic tanks.

When I was reading Dave descriptions again, I saw the word raised. Not sure about styrofoam for that type. Seems like you would need a flat hard surface if the side and bottom are not flush.

Oh well, too many words.

Eddie