stand problems

[OrientBlueReef]

Last night I screwed on the top of the stand for my new tank (114g acrylic), used a level to make sure everything was right, and slid the tank on... unfortunately, there is barely any contact and despite the level showing everything is alright, I am worried. Should I slowly fill it up and expect everything to level out? This doesn't seem like a good option, especially with an acrylic tank. What should I do?

[gastone]

Are you using foam under your tank?

 

Garrett.

[OrientBlueReef]

Are you using foam under your tank?

 

Garrett.

 

No, but I thought of that. I don't have any personal experience using the foam. Anybody have advice on using the insulation foam?

[Jon Lazar]

OrientBlueReef,

 

I would not fill the tank until you have the stand both level and flat. Acrylic tanks should be supported along the entire length (and depth) of the tank, and it sounds like the surface of your stand has areas where it does not touch the tank. While you may be able to fill the tank without it failing right away, this is not how the tanks are designed to operate, and you would be placing an extra load on the tank's seams. Tanks are designed with a safety "fudge factor" to allow for some abuse, but it's reckless to rely on this in the face of an obvious problem. Your tank is more likely to fail at some point; maybe immediately, and maybe in a few years.

 

I would look at removing the top of your stand and changing the construction to make the surface both level and flat. You could shim joists that are low, and plane down any joists that are high, for example. Other reefers have used foam sheets under their tanks to compensate for irregularities in the stand's surface, but making your stand true is the safest course of action.

 

Details on your construction and the scope of your problem will help, like how large is the gap between stand and tank?

 

Jon

 

Last night I screwed on the top of the stand for my new tank (114g acrylic), used a level to make sure everything was right, and slid the tank on... unfortunately, there is barely any contact and despite the level showing everything is alright, I am worried. Should I slowly fill it up and expect everything to level out? This doesn't seem like a good option, especially with an acrylic tank. What should I do?

[OrientBlueReef]

OrientBlueReef,

 

I would not fill the tank until you have the stand both level and flat. Acrylic tanks should be supported along the entire length (and depth) of the tank, and it sounds like the surface of your stand has areas where it does not touch the tank. While you may be able to fill the tank without it failing right away, this is not how the tanks are designed to operate, and you would be placing an extra load on the tank's seams. Tanks are designed with a safety "fudge factor" to allow for some abuse, but it's reckless to rely on this in the face of an obvious problem. Your tank is more likely to fail at some point; maybe immediately, and maybe in a few years.

 

I would look at removing the top of your stand and changing the construction to make the surface both level and flat. You could shim joists that are low, and plane down any joists that are high, for example. Other reefers have used foam sheets under their tanks to compensate for irregularities in the stand's surface, but making your stand true is the safest course of action.

 

Details on your construction and the scope of your problem will help, like how large is the gap between stand and tank?

 

Jon

 

Stand is level, but not flat. Joists are all level as well, any gaps are minimal, 1/8" of an inch would be an EXTREMELY generous estimate.

[magnetic1]

I have extra 3/4" foam (I think it is 3/4") you can cut to size for free if you want.

[ErikS]

The stand is dead level & smooth? The entire surface?

 

If it's yes then it's likely the tank is slightly off - not that unusual for an acrylic tank. Bonus for an acrylic tank is that it can bend (flex) at bit - it's a fairly flexible material.

 

I'd measure the specific amounts & consult with the builder if possible - they can tell you for certain.

 

If the top isn't true then you can remove the top sheeting & use shims until it is.

[Rascal]

Stand is level, but not flat. Joists are all level as well, any gaps are minimal, 1/8" of an inch would be an EXTREMELY generous estimate.

 

Like ErikS said, make sure it is the stand and not the tank itself that is off by using a reliable straight edge like a carpenter's level.

 

If it is the stand and it's of by that little, a couple of hours with some sand paper (or about 15 minutes with a belt sander) might do the trick. Worked for me anyway.