Is smaller leveling mat with tank overhang safe?

[kingyking888]

Hi,

I bought a 40 gallon AIO rimless tank. It has 8mm thick glass. The 2 leveling mats are slight smaller, not cut correctly and not same size. So there is overhang from the tank.

Is this safe to proceed? The seller stated there is no issue.

I would think the leveling mat needs to cover all edges of the tank especially
where the edges of the silicon joints.

Thanks

 

[griss]

I’ve never used a leveling mat but that does not look good to me.

@kharmaguru @Reefing102 @wvned thoughts?

 

[wvned]

No I wouldn't do that.
Why did you stack them. Don't do that either.
I would cut them to make one layer that fits and is joined somewhere in the middle of the tank.

 

[kharmaguru]

This^

 

[Reefing102]

I agree with @wvned and @kharmaguru. Typically it’s only one mat across the entire surface.

 

[Uncle99]

We don’t use “levelling” mats as they don’t level anything and in some applications, look dumb IMM, taking away that seemless transition from tank to stand and stand to floor.
They become a trap for dirt and hold moisture which can warp wood over time.
Warped surfaces can cause tank failure.
If the stand is out, the tank is out.
We level the stand first, ensuring there are no imperfections on the surface top, then the tank directly on the wood.
In addition, we never use “feet” and put the stand, right to the floor. This results in better weight displacement.

 

[kharmaguru]

In addition, we never use “feet” and put the stand, right to the floor. This results in better weight displacement.

Dude, you're going to send Griss into another spiral of self doubt.

 

[wvned]

Here is a welding worktable with an 800 pound capacity. Looks a bit spindly?

Most people are completely lacking in the understanding or the strength of materials anymore. They don't build things or lift heavy things anymore.
So many threads on the rocket aquarium stand arguing the materials weren't sufficient.
Vertical Load Capacity of a Single 2x4
A single 2x4 can typically support 1,000 pounds vertically under optimal conditions
So 8 of them in the corners of a small rocket stand could hold
The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, a half-ton pickup, weighs between 4,410 and 5,710 pounds

So two 2x4s on end could easily support my 240 gallon tank if braced to prevent side loading. 4 would be overkill.

You can use feet on an aquarium stand without problem if the stand was engineered to use them and the floor can stand the concentration of the weight to the small area of the feet. The same goes for rollers.
Many large safes weighing over 500 pounds have rollers on the bottom to move them.
This worktable can withstand 800 pounds static or 600 pounds rolling around. This takes into consideration side loads it has to withstand being pushed that could fold it up..

 

[kharmaguru]

I've been building houses for the last few years. Steel beams holding up 6000 sq/ft are regularly supported by 3 2x6 on end, laminated together with 3 inch nails. The permanent steel support posts in your basement are often one of the last things we get to and it strains a 20 ton jack to swap them in. Wood is strong.

 

[wvned]

Then there is the opposite problem. A high strength grade 8 bolt falls out of something and is lost and people go get a cheap one at HD and put it in place. It is the same size after all. I am sure for some people a bolt is a bolt.

 

[Uncle99]

Dude, you're going to send Griss into another spiral of self doubt.

Sorry bout that.
I actually only took off the feet so crap didn’t get in that little space.
Doesn’t matter much on small volumes, but big volume waters, maybe some advantage.
At the end of the day, neither would be the cause of collapse.

 

[wvned]

Sorry bout that.
I actually only took off the feet so crap didn’t get in that little space.
Doesn’t matter much on small volumes, but big volume waters, maybe some advantage.
At the end of the day, neither would be the cause of collapse.

Quite often the floor isn't as flat as people assume it to be. I have never used feet but lots of shims.

 

[kingyking888]

It came with 2 mats, both were cut smaller than the size of the tank. ;-|
Only realized after placing the tank on top.

The aquarium stand that it sits on is not flush across entire surface either. Has maybe 1-1.15mm dip from the frame in between
2 pieces of wood. Figured using 2 mats would be better.

I had some spare leveling mat so cut extra strips so the entire tank now sits on top of the mat. Hope it's ok now.

Also used bubble level and confirm both front/back/sides are level.

 

[kingyking888]

Reading all your posts few times, really great info. The aquarium stand I am using has 1" plastic feet with threaded bolts to
adjust the level. I had to loosen the feet so that it is extended out of the aluminum frame to get the stand to level.

40 gallon tank fully loaded can easily reach 400-600lbs. Most apartments have just plywood flooring on top of the structure?
So would these 1" feet cause issues over time? I have not started yet and rather be safe than sorry.

What shims do you use and the shim material holds up over time?
Scared now because those adjustable feet to me does not seem like it could hold up much weight.

 

[griss]

Reading all your posts few times, really great info. The aquarium stand I am using has 1" plastic feet with threaded bolts to
adjust the level. I had to loosen the feet so that it is extended out of the aluminum frame to get the stand to level.

40 gallon tank fully loaded can easily reach 400-600lbs. Most apartments have just plywood flooring on top of the structure?
So would these 1" feet cause issues over time? I have not started yet and rather be safe than sorry.

What shims do you use and the shim material holds up over time?
Scared now because those adjustable feet to me does not seem like it could hold up much weight.

My 150 has adjustable feet. Granted, I just set it up recently and was a bit nervous so far. But, it seems good and the company that makes my tank does have an engineer who designs the stands and tanks. I think you’ll be fine.

 

[kingyking888]

Photo of the stand attached. Generic Amazon stuff. Does your stand use cheap round plastic feet with threaded bolts?
Mine appears that way.

 

[griss]

Photo of the stand attached. Generic Amazon stuff. Does your stand use cheap round plastic feet with threaded bolts?
Mine appears that way.

I think they are rubber like material feet with threaded bolts.

 

[kingyking888]

Since I cannot get a straight answer from the seller regarding the feet/bolt durability.
I will have to do shim method.

What material do you use for shim and how is that adjusted?

 

[JaysTank]

Since I cannot get a straight answer from the seller regarding the feet/bolt durability.
I will have to do shim method.

What material do you use for shim and how is that adjusted?

Composite shims are great. I use them.

 

[wvned]

Solid vinyl tile pieces. Metal, hard wood. Strips of plywood. Wood shims from home depot.