--> Rimless Tank Question <--

[Canadian]

I've had many tanks over the years but never a rimless one. I'm in the process of setting my rimless cube and I want to put some Dysum (thin rubber-like sheet to prevent sliding) under the tank to keep it from sliding around in the event that the tank or stand is bumped (the stand is almost the exact same foot print as the tank with no trim to restrain the tank).

Here's my question: I don't have enough Dysum to cover the 24" x 24" footprint of the tank. So, would putting the tank on this thin 1/64" layer put the tank at risk of cracking due to a 6" x 6" square not resting on this material and there being uneven weight distribution?

 

[Canadian]

^

 

[Slphappy]

That's a scary question to answer... 'cuz as soon as someone tells you to "go ahead and do it, you should be fine", the tank will crack.:rolleye1: But I seriously doubt if it actually will though.

If you're really concerned about the tank cracking. Buy enough of the sheeting to cover the entire surface.

Or try this: Take a bit of Coke (Coca-Cola that is:rolleye1: ) and brush a little bit over the top of the stand (not too much... you don't want a gooey mess). Let it dry for a bit. It will make the surface sufficiently sticky to keep the tank from sliding (especially when filled) but not so sticky that you can't get the tank off the stand later.

Dried pop makes great non-skid. We've used it on glass stages to keep dancers from slipping and falling. Although, I've never actually used it on an aquarium. I can't imagine it wouldn't work in this situation. Good luck.

Todd

 

[Der_Iron_Chef]

So there will be a 6"x6" square in the middle without the Dysum?

 

[bureau13]

I personally wouldn't set the tank on anything that didn't cover the entire surface. That said, I don't know what Dysum is, it may be thin enough that it doesn't matter.

I can't see sliding being a problem once the tank is filled however. All that weight pressing down tends to mitigate that problem. My acrylic tank just sits on top of the wood surface of my stand, and I don't think I could budge it if I tried.

jds

 

[crab0000]

Is the tank glass or acrylic? Most glass tanks have trim, so the bottom pane doesn't actually touch the stand.

 

[Canadian]

As above in the original post: the tank is a rimless custom glass tank without any trim so it sits on the bottom pane of glass (think ADA tank).

I realize that the tank isn't likely to move when full but because the tank is relatively small (24 x 24 x18) and I have a clumsy wife I want to play it safe. The Dysum is surprisingly expensive and a PIA to acquire; I happened to have a bit kicking around so I thought I would try it. Unfortunately it turned out to not be enough.

I think I'll try the Coke idea out to play it safe - great suggestion!

 

[crab0000]

Re: --> Rimless Tank Question <--

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10940728#post10940728 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Canadian
I've had many tanks over the years but never a rimless one. I'm in the process of setting my rimless cube and I want to put some Dysum (thin rubber-like sheet to prevent sliding) under the tank to keep it from sliding around in the event that the tank or stand is bumped (the stand is almost the exact same foot print as the tank with no trim to restrain the tank).

Here's my question: I don't have enough Dysum to cover the 24" x 24" footprint of the tank. So, would putting the tank on this thin 1/64" layer put the tank at risk of cracking due to a 6" x 6" square not resting on this material and there being uneven weight distribution?

Okay, I've read the original post six times and can't see where it says glass with no trim. Sorry to bother you with questions.

 

[seapug]

Unless you have a really wobbly stand, I really wouldn't worry about it. Once a tank that size is filled with sand, rocks and water it's going to weigh over 500 lbs. You'd have to give it a flying karate kick with a running start to even make it shift one inch.

 

[steve the plumb]

If the stand is strong the weight of the tank is heavy enough.If you are worried you can use silicone or construction adhesive or a very strong double sided tape.Construction adhesive will stick to anything but if you ever want to take that tank off the stand its not going to be easy.Silicone will stick well even to wood.You can still cut it off (depending how much you use) if you ever want to move the tank.You can use that and the tank won't move.I don't think your wife will knock that tank over(unless she is 400 pounds and takes a charge at it)

 

[Ewan]

Andrew, Long time no see. Welcome back!

I'm in the planning stages of a rimless myself. Make sure to post some pics.

 

[Canadian]

Hey Ewan!

Thanks for the welcome back. It's nice to see some old faces around here still.

How do you like the Aquaspacelight 250W 14,000K as the only light on your nano? I was planning on doing the same thing (maybe 20,000K) with my tank being SPS dominated but I'm not sure about heat (I see you have a fan) and appearance without actinic. I might try to find a used one to give it a go without taking a hit on the resale value.

I just filled the tank with tap water tonight to sound and leak test it (it's in the living room). I'll take some pics tomorrow during daylight.

 

[Ewan]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10947095#post10947095 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Canadian
Hey Ewan!

Thanks for the welcome back. It's nice to see some old faces around here still.

How do you like the Aquaspacelight 250W 14,000K as the only light on your nano? I was planning on doing the same thing (maybe 20,000K) with my tank being SPS dominated but I'm not sure about heat (I see you have a fan) and appearance without actinic. I might try to find a used one to give it a go without taking a hit on the resale value.

I just filled the tank with tap water tonight to sound and leak test it (it's in the living room). I'll take some pics tomorrow during daylight.

A couple of thoughts:

1. I really miss having actinics.
2. The aquamedic oceanlight was released a year or two after I bought my pendant. A friend of mine bought 3, and I like them much more. The ballast is not in the pendant, so weight and heat are scaled back big time.

Next time through, I'll be getting a pendant with supplemental t-5's for the actinic portion. With a single pendent, I'm getting heavy shadows in my tank. A pair of flourescents would help quite a bit with this.

Aditionally, I tried the XM 20kk bulb, and the aquamedic 20kk. I switched back to 14kk, and I'm much more satisfied with my colors. Your mileage will vary.

If I WERE to attempt a single halide again, I'd go with a luminarc reflector. With the single aquaspacelight, I'm getting self-shading on many of my pieces. The reflector isn't the best on this one.

Good luck with your decision. There's so many lighting options these days.