Some dumb questions

[sirhelm]

I am sure, I know this already but I have forgotten...

Setting a new 60 Gallon tank and just need to know 3 things


1) Shiming the stand.

The stand and tank are almost level.. about a 1/4 " off on the left side. For an acrylic tank is this a concern? If it is what can I use to shim the stand, and should I shim the left side and front and rear left corners as well.

2) What does everyone use in between the tank and stand? Sort of a self leveling material? I have heard people use foam... but what kind and where to get it.

3) I don't have a canopy and of course I will be having some jumping wrasses down the road..... also have 2 large Bengal cats who will be climbing on top of the tank... so I need to have something covering the holes that is strong enough to hold the weight of the cats and stop the wrasses from jumping. Will eggcrate suffice? If so where do I get it?

Note: I do have a PC light 48" but its thinner than the cutouts on the tank


Thanks!!

Sh

 

[Sk8r]

For an acrylic it's worse: the tank sags like fluid when loaded. Just get it level. A hardwood shim would be better, but the soft pine you hammer in and break off is probably adequate. For weight, think "crammed refrigerator". You can set the tank directly on the stand. It should sit level, again. If it has no support in the middle you might think plywood base, but it ought to be adequate, as is. I put eggcrate under my sand to spread out the pressure points of the rocks. With acrylic this is less of a concern. Eggcrate as a tank cover is ok, and your lights can set right on it---there's a slight funnel shape to the holes, s/b wide side down. You can get it in the lighting department at Lowes or Home Depot. It's that stuff you see in office overheads as paneling. You can cut it to shape with shears applied to each boring little brace...

 

[sirhelm]

Great! Thanks for the info!!

I will be heading to HD shortly.

SH