leveling a tank stand

[reef tank 2.0]

Hey all, I built a tank stand using the template on this forum. It turned out as planned and now I cross my fingers in hopes it holds the weight of my 130 gallon tank after all said and done.

now that i have moved the stand/tank into its new home location, it is slightly off. It was level until i placed it on the carpeted floors.

it is not yet filled with water so i still have room for adjustment.

can anyone provide me with suggestions on how to shim the stand or even make leveling feet. not sure whats best.....

any ideas?

 

[billdogg]

Get a package or two of shims. - I prefer the composite shims over traditional wood shims and put as many under the stand (NOT UNDER THE TANK) as you can. Fill the tank a couple inches - water will seek its own level - and adjust the shims as needed.

 

[reef tank 2.0]

i was thinking of the wood shims that they use for miullwork both that is very soft wood. are the composites stronger??? with the soft wood, i would imagine the weight of the water would compress them treating them like a soggy piece of toilet paper......

 

[davocean]

^^ Exactly what Billdogg said, and I would not sweat it holding as long as you followed rockets template.
Looks good so far.

 

[SammyL]

If it was level before you placed it on the carpet, make sure you do not have it on the tack strip that is against the wall.

I have always used traditional wood shims for leveling my stands.

 

[reef tank 2.0]

i did follow it.......even added the two extra middle supports for extra measure.

 

[davocean]

i was thinking of the wood shims that they use for miullwork both that is very soft wood. are the composites stronger??? with the soft wood, i would imagine the weight of the water would compress them treating them like a soggy piece of toilet paper......

You'll find the composites will snap cleaner and easier, I would not like to razor cut the wood ones over carpet.

 

[reef tank 2.0]

the stand is 4" from the edge of the wall. im pretty sure that clears the tack strips.

sammy - what are the "traditional" wood shiums you speak of?

 

[davocean]

Most likely he means cedar, which are my preference when I'm installing cabinets, the long ones, but in marine environments I prefer the composite.
Pretty much all floors are out enough to require some shims, I'm sure that distance clears the tack strip, very typical scenario

 

[reef tank 2.0]

i was looking at those composite shims on hd's website and it shows that they are waterproof and can withstand 16,000 pounds of pressure before failing.

thats fantastic news!!!

composite it is!!! thank you

 

[davocean]

On top of that if you put a putty knife under them after they are weighted down some and snap up briskly they usually break very clean at stand edge, usually no razor knifing required, which is nice on carpet.

 

[reef tank 2.0]

Let's just hope my carpentry skills hold up and the stand doesn't crumble

 

[SammyL]

the stand is 4" from the edge of the wall. im pretty sure that clears the tack strips.

sammy - what are the "traditional" wood shiums you speak of?

Plain old wood shims

 

[davocean]

Let's just hope my carpentry skills hold up and the stand doesn't crumble

I'm sure you're fine, looks fine from what I can see, and it's a trimmed tank, much more forgiving as support needs go.

 

[Bryopsis]

I dislike the idea of shims because you're essentially putting stress on certain areas of the stand (or tank) from a physics perspective. (unless the "shim" is an angled board under the whole stand)

Easiest to get level with the necessary support for no strain, get yourself 2 thicker layers of memory foam that goes under a carpet, put both under the stand. Be sure they're the size of the stand. The tank will level.

 

[woodnaquanut]

Easiest to get level with the necessary support for no strain, get yourself 2 thicker layers of memory foam that goes under a carpet, put both under the stand. Be sure they're the size of the stand. The tank will level.

I fail to see how a uniformly thick foam will change the level. But if it works for you...

For me, shims is the word!

 

[SGT_York]

The shims need to be placed under the vertical supports.

Ditch the memory foam approach, couple inches of memory foam and you could cause more harm than good. Also it would need to vent the air so scratch that Idea unless you have an airspace under your tank. Sounds like a moldy mess waiting to happen.

 

[tigerjace]

the shims need to be placed under the vertical supports.

Ditch the memory foam approach, couple inches of memory foam and you could cause more harm than good. Also it would need to vent the air so scratch that idea unless you have an airspace under your tank. Sounds like a moldy mess waiting to happen.

+1

 

[saybng]

^^^+1.., I use wood shims.

 

[schlegelli46]

looks great, water is only something you have to dry up later +1