Leveling a 300 gallon tub

[marinelife]

I have a 300 gallon rubbermaid stock tank that I need to level. I was thinking of installing some 2x4s that are cut at an angle between the tub and the concrete blocks that are going under the tub. Maybe add some plywood between the cut 2x4s and the tank. Would this work and hold? Would I need to have the plywood. The tub has about a 6 foot base so I was thinking about maybe a 2x4 every 6 inches or so. Tell me your thoughts on this

 

[marinelife]

This will be 75% full of live rock and have a gigas clam in it.

 

[Trilithon3]

No answer, but a question. Where did you get a 300 gal. tub and how much did you pay? The biggest I've seen is 150 gal. I would love to have one as a sump!

 

[marinelife]

Tractor Supply and it was $188

 

[marinelife]

Like this

 

[Trilithon3]

Do you plan on the 2X4's running lengthwise under the tub? If so, that should be plenty strong. I would use the plywood just to help keep the 2X4's from indenting the tub. 300 gal. is a lot of weight.

 

[andrewr]

I wouldnt shim between the tub and the blocks. I would shim the blocks. If you shim the tank you will put undue pressure on their awesome bulkheads (insert sarcasm) and may start a leak

 

[marinelife]

its round so I would put several under the tank, that is kinda what I was thinking about the plywood

 

[marinelife]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9210392#post9210392 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by andrewr
I wouldnt shim between the tub and the blocks. I would shim the blocks. If you shim the tank you will put undue pressure on their awesome bulkheads (insert sarcasm) and may start a leak

I am not sure I follow what the difference would be. how would it make a difference where the skim goes. they would go the length of the tank from side to side

 

[andrewr]

The area in which the shim would cover it you put it directly under the tank would be more like a fulcrum. If you shimmed the block it would be more dispersed. I am not good with words HTH

 

[andrewr]

I looked at the diagram again and you need 2x4's for shims? You live in Union not Tibet lol

 

[Trilithon3]

The 2X4's are the shims, right? If that's the case and the tank is resting on say, a 1/2" sheet of plywood, resting on the 2X4 shims, resting on the blocks, I think you'll be ok.

 

[andrewr]

agreed, but if you where shimming the tub itself with 2x4's I think you would have a problem

 

[Trilithon3]

I think so. That's a lot of weight to put on a surface as narrow as a 2X4. Even if there are several. Without the plywood to help spread the weight I think that over time the 2X4's would start to indent into the tank and cause problems.

 

[marinelife]

I am not sure I would call them shimes, I have to have one side of the tank up 1" and the 2x4 would go from one side of the tank to the other almost like a frame.

 

[marinelife]

Here is a picture from the top, I would have the 2x4s down on the 4 side and have atleast two beside each other, maybe 3

I would do atleast 4 sections maybe even five or six