pros and cons of foam under a glass tank

[boofer]

I just wanted to get everyones thoughts on putting foam under my glass tank. Its a 36x30 footprint and it has the trim on the bottom. Its 3/8 glass that I was told isnt tempered. From what I hear, According to the manufacturer (OCEA) they recommend it, but Ive read a few posts stating glass tanks with trim dont need it. Any thoughts on the pros and cons are appreciated

 

[6Speed]

I've read from several very experienced reefers that foam is good. However, I kinda wonder about it b/c I've also heard not to put any pressure against the bottom glass in the oppossing direction of water pressure.

In short, I don't know.

 

[Scuba_Dave]

Some tank mfg require it for their warranty
If you do not have anything pressing back against that foam, don't do it!!

The foam can cause a stand to bow
Take a look at the tank at the bottom of the page on this thread

http://216.235.242.50/forums/showthread.php?t=21102&page=2

 

[itstheantitang]

con= you can't see the tunnels the burrowing creatures make in the sandbed if you use foam

 

[stugray]

Fisharefoodtoo,

If you can see tunnels from the bottom, then your san isnt deep enough.

There shouldnt be any surface dwelling creatures reaching the bottom of a useful sandbed. It needs an anaerobic zone.

Stu

 

[boofer]

The stand is pretty solid with the top being plywood so that wouldnt be an issue with the bowing or the tunnels. The warranty isnt an issue either as it was a used tank.
Im just curious because like 6speed, Ive heard conflicting stories whether you should or not.

 

[itstheantitang]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6725100#post6725100 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by stugray
Fisharefoodtoo,

If you can see tunnels from the bottom, then your san isnt deep enough.

There shouldnt be any surface dwelling creatures reaching the bottom of a useful sandbed. It needs an anaerobic zone.

Stu

Hmmm....Thanks....That could be a significant factor to my cyano problems....along with 5 lbs or lr in a 55....more coming soon..

 

[boofer]

TTT....nobody else has any thoughts on the foam? I need to make a decision in the next day or 2....Thx

 

[cuong]

IMO, you should use the foam as it recommended the your tank manufacturer ( they are the tank maker after all). I have 1.5" thick pink insulator foam under my 90g tank going strong for almost a year with no problem and i hardly see the foam compress at all under all that weight. I wouldn't go without one.

 

[BeanAnimal]

DO NOT USE FOAM on a tank with TRIM (unless it is recomended by the tank manufacturer)

It's very simply, the tank is support by the trim. The trim needs to rest on a hard FLAT surface that is not wracked or twisted.

Adding foam does nothing to improve a stand that is bowed, wracked or twisted. The foam will cursh uner the trim due ot the very small surface contact area. Foam on the other hand is very useful for flat bottom acrylic tanks.

Bean

 

[boofer]

If I can find the right thickness foam, Ill probably go with the foam (since its manufacturer recommended). If not, since it has the trim and was setup before w/o, I wont put the foam. Thx for the input.

 

[boxfishpooalot]

foam distributes pressure point differences on the tank. It allows even pressure. On tanks with trim its not needed because the trim on the bottom distributes pressure a little.

 

[iceman5]

so your saying all glass tanks with trim dont need any foam and foam is just for acrylic tanks???

 

[8BALL_99]

If a tank has trim it doesn't need foam.. If its a custom tank with no trim then it needs foam.. Its that simple.. Now the thickness of foam depends on the size tank...

My 180 Is custom tank with a flat bottem.. I used The Blue 3/4 foam cause thats what the company that built my tank recommended.

FWIW AGA stands have no middle so foam would be pointless.. There stands are built to support the trim on the tank and thats it.. Same goes for Oceanic.. Most of there stands are made to support the outside edge. Not the middle.