My 220 tank isn't quite flush with the stand. Should I be worried?

[Trilabite]

Hey folks,

Fiiiinally close to getting water into my reef tank 220. I got a tank 2nd hand that looks to be in good shape. I welded up the stand myself and put allot of thought and love into making sure shes plumb. I noticed after I got the tank into its final position that its not 100% flush around the entire perimeter of the tank base. The tank style is a floating bottom with a frame.

Think this is something that could put enough stress to cause a catastrophic failure 3 months from now when im probably away on vacation?

To help you visualize what i'm talking about I uploaded a video to show where the gaps are around the tank using a card. Note that the gap never gets any thicker than the card in the video. So maybe i'm just being over concerned?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FXS0vcYVJM

 

[Blabomb]

I don't have an answer for you, but I'm also interested since I'm in a similar situation. I test filled my tank with water and everything seems fine, but time will tell. Looking forward to answers.

 

[Trilabite]

I don't have an answer for you, but I'm also interested since I'm in a similar situation. I test filled my tank with water and everything seems fine, but time will tell. Looking forward to answers.

I hear you. I feel like it would be fine. But then I hear horror stories about someone's tank just exploding unprovoked months after water is in there. 220 is allot of water.

 

[cincyjim]

If it was me I would level the top of the stand. Maybe put a 1/4" yoga mat underneath it to provide even support.

 

[jimmy n]

My 240 is similar along the sides, but flush at all 4 corners. Only six month at this point but no issues.

 

[Bma1972]

Easy fix. Go to your local Home Depot. Get styrofoam housing insulate 1 1/2 inches thick or more and cut to tank bottom size. Cuts super easy with anything sharp or heat up a bread knife. Put under tank. It will put even pressure on frame and also self level the tank.

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[Bma1972]

Hers a picture from my 220 build. If you put ply wood under foam you can also mail in a frame. Second picture. I decided to stucco the whole stand.

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[Bma1972]

What I did and I recommend. Is layer of treated and pressed plywood, run front to back seats every 8 inches of 8 x 1/2 in then another layer of plywood, then place the insulation foam. You'll raise your viewing height, have absolutely even pressure and extremely level tank. At least I would do plywood and foam.

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[Bma1972]

Seats was supposed to say slots

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[Trilabite]

Thanks for the cool ideas guys. Would a foam layer work though for a floating bottom? My tank has a frame around it that has the bottom sheet of glass about a half inch off the stand.

@BMA1972 Thanks for the pics your stand turning out great!

 

[Bma1972]

Yes it would work. But I would still put a platform of pressed ply wood on top of stand runners and under the foam. You could use any thickness of foam. If you didn't use the plywood base a would use a thinner foam. Either way it will fill in the gaps and apply an even upward pressure on to your tank frame. I'm very curious to see your how your doing your overflow into your sump and also the return.

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[Trilabite]

Ive been doing allot of research and seems many people have had good luck shimming with a deck of playing cards. I can see why the density is very high and it will slot in right where support is needed. I think I might give that a try. Wish me luck!

 

[Trilabite]

Yes it would work. But I would still put a platform of pressed ply wood on top of stand runners and under the foam. You could use any thickness of foam. If you didn't use the plywood base a would use a thinner foam. Either way it will fill in the gaps and apply an even upward pressure on to your tank frame. I'm very curious to see your how your doing your overflow into your sump and also the return.

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Thanks BMA1972,

I'll share some pics once I have a moment. I have all the filter gear going through the wall into the sump.

 

[LotsaTanks]

I would put 3/4 plywood on top of the stand and a yoga mat on top of that. That's worked well for me with 2 large tanks on steel stands.


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[Trilabite]

I would put 3/4 plywood on top of the stand and a yoga mat on top of that. That's worked well for me with 2 large tanks on steel stands.


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Thanks for the idea Lotsa, How big are your tanks? Were they uneven before you added the yoga mat?

I do have a 3/4 piece on there now. (it's like a table top). I just keep getting the feeling that a yoga mat might not have the density I would need to support the very ends where at the moment is supported the least. If I can shim the ends enough I think it will balance out... But who the heck knows haha. Plus I wont have to move the heavy tank this way. At least thats what I talking myself into.

 

[LotsaTanks]

My larger tanks are 300 gallon and 180. Both needed shims under the stand to level it. I used the Home Depot manufactured shims- worked well.

The top wasn't perfectly even but doesn't sound like it was as bad as yours. You can keep the plywood on it and seems like you could shim the edges a bit to fit between the wood and stand (but if it is your floor that isn't level shim under the stand to level).

The yoga mat I used was perfect- not too spongy. It was on Amazon I think. I can check to see if I can find the one I ordered later. The yoga mat helps with any minor imperfections.


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[Trilabite]

My larger tanks are 300 gallon and 180. Both needed shims under the stand to level it. I used the Home Depot manufactured shims- worked well.

The top wasn't perfectly even but doesn't sound like it was as bad as yours. You can keep the plywood on it and seems like you could shim the edges a bit to fit between the wood and stand (but if it is your floor that isn't level shim under the stand to level).

The yoga mat I used was perfect- not too spongy. It was on Amazon I think. I can check to see if I can find the one I ordered later. The yoga mat helps with any minor imperfections.


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Wow Lotsa sounds like some beautiful tanks your running. Yes luckily the tank and stand together are level. I had one corner that was a bit lifted I did shim that. So all is plumb there.

The only issue left is that the short ends of the tank are not supported well. basically both ends have about a bank card width gap. It is a framed tank not a frameless. I've read for those kind of tanks its more important to have just the corners supported where a frameless tank you need the whole bottom to be flush. You can see exactly what I mean with this video I posted. (ignore the sound)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FXS0vcYVJM

 

[LotsaTanks]

I googled your issue on wetwebmedia where they have a ton of FAQ's and lots of experience, and it looks like they recommend putting styrofoam or something under the tank to absorb the little gap. My tanks are not rimmed (Acrylic & Glass both) but I used this from Amazon, YogaAccessories (TM) Extra Wide / Extra Long 1/4'' Deluxe Yoga Mat - Black. It is nice and dense but a bit springy.

 

[JTL]

I'm late in answering but having built a few rimless raised bottom tanks I can tell you this. All of the weight is on the sides. The water weight is transferred to the sides and the bottom bead of silicone is keeping the bottom from blowing out. I personally like this design because you don't need to use a mat under the tank, in fact it may cause more harm than good. However you must be very sure that the sides are perfectly flush with the bottom, just think about the pressure that is on each inch of the glass surrounding the entire tank.

I used a product called Duram's Rock Hard Water Putty which you can get at any big box store. Mix it up and put a thin layer around the perimeter where you think it is low. Let it harden (only takes an hour or less) get a long level and check, sand where necessary and repeat if needed. Easy and very effective. Remember only put around the edges where it is needed, this stuff is like sanding a rock.