Shimming a filled tank

[SkinnyPete]

Sorry if this is a duplicate post.... I posted this in 'reef fish' accidentally yesterday.

When setting up a 210 I needed to shim the left side to get things level. Now that it is full it appears that the water level is higher on the right side by about 1/4". Turns out, the level I used was somehow bad. That level still shows it straight as an arrow, while two others I've tried show that it needs to be leveled again.

So, I can't exactly take the shims out so will have to shim the right back corner. When all is said and done, I'll have shims under the left front, left back and right back of the stand. None along the back. Is this going to compromise the integrity of the stand in anyway? None of them are shimming any more than a quarter inch or so.

 

[jerome736]

I would have said shim the stand not the tank. I like to keep an even piece of styofoam (or plywood, whatever works) under the whole tank to support it.

 

[SkinnyPete]

I did shim the stand and not the tank...just not correctly.

 

[barclayrl]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12447530#post12447530 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SkinnyPete
I did shim the stand and not the tank...just not correctly.

With that amount of water on the line, i would not do anything risky, buy some trashcans (or use them if you have them,) drain the tank and do it over correctly. You can use any containers you own, even if they are used, just line them with a tash bag, or other liner.

I would never try to change anything on a tank that big when it is full.. It may lead to a seam failure or worse.

 

[B.C.theReefer]

I'm with barclayrl. That's a whole lot of water to be trying to shift around. Drain the tank into trash cans like he said. Level the tank as fast as you can, then use a pump or power head to refill the tank. All your critters should be fine without water for a short time.

 

[jpeconsult]

I know of two ways to level a tank...

1) Drain all the water, except a small amount to be used as a "bubble", that, when the tank is level, the "bubble will be in the center of the tank. NOTE: this method uses only a little bit of water...only about 1/4 of the bottom pane of glass should be covered with water.

2) (The option I chose) I once was told that levelling a tank should be looked at as one of the corners being in the correct place, and that the other three corners should be adjusted to match the correct one. The corner with the highest topography/altitude will be the "correct" corner, and you will raise the other three corners to that "corect" one. NOTE: This method may have only one corner out of wack, so be patient in determining which corners need adjusting.

DO NOT SETTLE! "Good enough" is not good enough. Be patient, and walk away from it for a few minutes if you start to get frustrated. --jeremy

 

[SkinnyPete]

I have identified which corners need to be raised. I bought a new level and checked things out last night. Left side is the high side, but the left front and back are level. The right side needs lifting and the back left is lower than the front left....so two corners need raising less than 1/4".

I have two 50 gallon barrels and four 5 gallon buckets. So, I can drain about 120 gallons. Hopefully that will be enough. I'm not sure how buying 2 more 50 gallon barrels would go over.

Tank half full (or half empty depending on your perspective) be enough for this slight adjustment you think?

 

[barclayrl]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12455398#post12455398 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SkinnyPete
I have identified which corners need to be raised. I bought a new level and checked things out last night. Left side is the high side, but the left front and back are level. The right side needs lifting and the back left is lower than the front left....so two corners need raising less than 1/4".

I have two 50 gallon barrels and four 5 gallon buckets. So, I can drain about 120 gallons. Hopefully that will be enough. I'm not sure how buying 2 more 50 gallon barrels would go over.

Tank half full (or half empty depending on your perspective) be enough for this slight adjustment you think?

Wal-Mart has rubbermaid roughneck trashcans (33 Gallon) for $10 each. get a few of those, and replace teh garage trashcans when done!!

 

[SkinnyPete]

No need. I have a trash compactor.......and no garage

I hear you. It's cheap, I'll do it right.

 

[musicgirl1217]

I thought my tank was not level because the water line was not even on both sides. I found out later the tank was level - but the top moulding was not straight. Just something to check.

 

[SkinnyPete]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12457141#post12457141 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by musicgirl1217
I thought my tank was not level because the water line was not even on both sides. I found out later the tank was level - but the top moulding was not straight. Just something to check.

Good point, but no the stand is not level. I don't know HOW a "level" can not be level...but, mine wasn't. I'm just going to go on everyone's suggestion and drain this thing, get it right with a new level and fill it back up.

Thanks all.