Styrofoam

[CoralFiend]

Ok, I know this has probably been discussed to death, but I have a question about using foam between the tank & stand. My old 75 spent 6 years sitting directly on top of a wooden stand with no problems, but I am setting up a 140 now and there will be a significant weight differential. The stand is being made for me by a professional cabinet maker (who has a 200 at home) so he is familiar with building stands for big tanks and the importance of support and proper level. I am confident that the stand will be strong, plumb & level.

I am debating whether foam is really necessary or not. The tank is an Oceanic 140 RR. Would like to get some ideas - both pro & con - on using foam. I know someone with a 90 gallon sitting on foam and it leans to the back substantially. Definitely don't want that. What kind of material is best for this application? The term styrofoam is thrown around loosely and I suppose there are different materials being used.

Would appreciate any help, as I should get my stand sometime this week and I can begin putting this thing together. :bounce1:

 

[Dubbin1]

If the tank has a frame then you do not want to put foam under the tank. It "could" lead to added pressure on the bottom glass and break it.

 

[sealegs]

The FOAM IS A MUST!! USE 2" of foam under the tank. Is your tank Glass or Aclyric? I recently had my new 500 Gallon tank come abart at the front spilling 500+ gallons of saltwater, Coral, Liverock,fish etc. What a mess!! This happened three days after the tank was installed. The tank manufacture told me it was because the tank was not level enough and the Foam evens things out.

 

[CoralFiend]

Thanks for the quick response. The tank does have a frame, as it is an "off the shelf" Oceanic. I've had people telling me that this was a "must do" and I am just not sold on the idea. Wanted to make sure I wasn't making a mistake though. Thanks...

 

[sundance1]

The local fish store has styrofoam under all their tanks.i don't use it though.

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

You dont have to use it on glass tanks with a frame around the bottom. It is a must for acrylic tanks.

 

[CoralFiend]

Wow Sealegs, that is catastrophic indeed! Sure hate to hear that happening to anyone. My condolences.

My tank is a standard glass Oceanic with the usual plastic frame. It's a stubby tank. 48" x 24" x 29". I was hoping that with it being short that it wouldn't tend to flex as much as the long tanks do. May be wrong on that.

In reference to what Dubbin said, did your tank have a frame? Was it glass or acrylic?

Thanks for the input.