Leveling a tank

[iflipsidei]

so my tank is off level by about 1/4" to 1/2" inch from left to right its on carpet, how can i make it level? or should i not worry

 

[dc_909]

Shim the stand.

 

[michaeldaly]

If the stand is flat, then the 1/4 or 1/4 inch does not actually matter.

 

[Icefire]

Shim the stand

 

[asm481]

1/4 inch is a huge difference if you ask me. I have dual overflows and that would effect them severly. you should shim the bottom of the stand and make it right.

 

[iflipsidei]

ok so how do i shim it on carpet, with just small pieces of wood or a long piece or ?

and would that make the middle of the stand bow down since part wont be touching the ground?

 

[shag26272]

i took some small boards and broke them so the ends are angled kinda like a knife and just tapped them under with a tiny hammer

 

[Alphabet]

Hopefully the tank is empty so you can shim under the stand. I shimmed mine under the end and placed a couple of shims along the middle, no bowing or bending. I also left a level on the tank and filled it half way, it did not move. I filled it all the way and was good to go!! ( on carpet btw ) hth

 

[iflipsidei]

so if the tank is off by 3/8 of a inch from end to end does that mean the end that needs to go up i need a shim 3/8?

 

[AZDesertRat]

You can get a pack of wooden shims at HD or Lowes that is used to level prehung doors. I believe they are 1/4" at the thickest point. Start in the two lowest corners and slowly drive them in with a hammer. If one is not enough, cut the thick end off another shim and insert it under the stand backwards with the thin end facing out, lay another shim on it with the thick end out and drive it in so they are doubled up for more thickness. Keep the shims close the the corners as they are the weight bearing areas. If your stand has a center brace you may want to drive one under the center to spread the load more evenly, just don't drive it in so far as to create a high spot in the center.
Once he tank is level use a razor knife to score the shims and snap them off flush with the stand so you won't even see them.

 

[iflipsidei]

well i had to use two on top of each other on the corners and i got the difference from one side to the other down to a 1/8" should i still try to level or that going to be ok

 

[mk2flip]

dont shim it on top of the carpet. you will have problems later when the pad compresses unevenly. if the tank isnt going to be moved cut out the carpet around the stand.

 

[iflipsidei]

i cant realy cut the carpet or i will lose my security deposit lol

 

[AZDesertRat]

You'll be fine. My old 90 G was on top of carpet for 14 years and stayed level.

 

[iflipsidei]

now should i re fill the tank for a few days to see how the shims hold up.

 

[luntiz]

I actually used a pair of chop stick on both ends and in the middle to level my 65tall. It ended up working perfectly leveled. Was so happy that I didnt have to go out and purchase anything, just a few cheap chopsticks. I dont know if its a sin or anything in chinese to do that however...=\

 

[iflipsidei]

wow, im just curious how shims or even chopsticks hold all this weight with out breaking

 

[IPowderBlueTang]

I always use shims on top off the rugs and there is not a problem and I also use a 3/4 inch styrofoam on top of the stand in between the tank and stand to also level off the tank to the stand!

 

[AZDesertRat]

Fill it up with only 6 or 8 inches and let it sit for a few hours. That way you can measure the water depth all around and its still light enough to level without the full weight.

 

[iflipsidei]

ya i do have about 4 inches of water, and its off by 1/8"