Additional leveling needed??

KJoFan · Jan 16, 2018

I took some readings on all sides and all read within the lines. It really would appear that in general it just leans back toward the wall a bit. Which I expected since as mentioned, the concrete underneath the flooring does slope slightly down where it meets the wall. I could probably move the tank out away from the wall a bit more to try to mitigate that.

I honestly hate to shim it if I don't have to, because I don't like creating those extra pressure points. My preference is to have the stand sit on the floor as intended.

However, that said, I can and have shimmed a stand before. I brought this up because this is the largest tank I've ever had so I want to be sure, and since all readings were close but not quite perfect I was a bit undecided.

I used to have a 120g in this same exact spot that I did not shim and it was up for 2+ years without incident.

Anyone else think it's fine and to move along? I can take/show my level shots for all sides when I get home today also.

KJoFan · Jan 16, 2018

Ok. Level readings.

Front pane:

Right end (front back is left right):

Back pane:

Left end (front back is right to left):

We’re talking 1/8” difference in water level based on current small amount of water that’s in there. Measured off top of silicone which may not be perfect.

@mdbannister

Daniel@R2R · Jan 16, 2018

I'd say you're definitely good. You have a foam pad under it, and the tank itself will level some once you put water in it. I think it's fine.

Sycoticrealm · Jan 16, 2018

If you have a plastic rim you can't always depend on it being level because it set in silicone and could easily be off in itself.

KJoFan · Jan 16, 2018

mdbannister said:
I'd say you're definitely good. You have a foam pad under it, and the tank itself will level some once you put water in it. I think it's fine.

I do have a foam pad under it, and all bubbles are within the lines. I think I'm gonna just go for it. If it leaks some day at least it's on the bottom floor so can't flood the whole house.

Sycoticrealm said:
If you have a plastic rim you can't always depend on it being level because it set in silicone and could easily be off in itself.

No rims here, it's rimless. But still, the silicone could still be off some. If I wanted a real true reading I'd measure in the tank from the bottom of the glass. It was just a quick measurement for observation sake.

Sycoticrealm · Jan 16, 2018

I fill the tank and measure the water level up.
Test fills with tap that is.

SeanJ · Jan 12, 2020

KJoFan said:
I do have a foam pad under it, and all bubbles are within the lines. I think I'm gonna just go for it. If it leaks some day at least it's on the bottom floor so can't flood the whole house.

No rims here, it's rimless. But still, the silicone could still be off some. If I wanted a real true reading I'd measure in the tank from the bottom of the glass. It was just a quick measurement for observation sake.

Did you ever add the shims? Or did you just went with the level readings you got? I'm having a similar situation and I'm undecided on what to do..

KJoFan · Jan 12, 2020

SeanJ said:
Did you ever add the shims? Or did you just went with the level readings you got? I'm having a similar situation and I'm undecided on what to do..

Funny you should bring this up again as almost 2 years on I checked my level today while I had the level out for hanging a light.
The tank is still within the lines just like it was originally. I never shimmed it. The foam padding has greatly condensed over time but I figure that’s the point, right?

I think if your readings are similar and within the lines you’ll be fine. Two years and no issues for me.

SeanJ · Jan 12, 2020

KJoFan said:
Funny you should bring this up again as almost 2 years on I checked my level today while I had the level out for hanging a light.
The tank is still within the lines just like it was originally. I never shimmed it. The foam padding has greatly condensed over time but I figure that’s the point, right?

I think if your readings are similar and within the lines you’ll be fine. Two years and no issues for me.

True! Almost 2 years! Which I figured your experience would help a lot since there's not a lot of info on this.

I'm setting up a RedSea250 and I have a similar situation. And if yours has no issues, I'm sure a 65g will have no prob -- only bc it's within the lines but not exactly centered.

KJoFan · Jan 12, 2020

SeanJ said:
True! Almost 2 years! Which I figured your experience would help a lot since there's not a lot of info on this.

I'm setting up a RedSea250 and I have a similar situation. And if yours has no issues, I'm sure a 65g will have no prob -- only bc it's within the lines but not exactly centered.

I felt like I'd rather have the entire bottom of the stand on the floor if possible rather than shimming certain parts of it. Sometimes shimming can lead to worse problems if just trying to correct something so minor.

I'd go for it.

SeanJ · Jan 12, 2020

KJoFan said:
I felt like I'd rather have the entire bottom of the stand on the floor if possible rather than shimming certain parts of it. Sometimes shimming can lead to worse problems if just trying to correct something so minor.

I'd go for it.

Thanks! That's what i was thinking and your experience gives a little more reassurance.