Another stand leveling question..

[ihavecrabs]

My predicament..

I have all glass bottom aquarium with no trim therefore the base needs to be near completely level.

I have a plywood top on my stand that is 1/2" plus 3/4" plywood and for some reason I habe a slight upward bow in the middle (from front to back).

It is 1/16" low in the back and 1/8" in the front.

Has anyone ever used a thin layer of self leveling cement to correct this?

Will foam be sufficient? I thought it would only remove point stressors and not necessarily correct for items mentioned above.

Other suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Mandelstam]

Self leveling concrete would be my suggestion too. Plan to use it on my next stand actually. To me it has two big pros:
- Gives a complete flat surface with full support of the bottom of the tank
- Will set completely level and will therefore take care of any irregularities of the floor or the stand.

 

[ihavecrabs]

Self leveling concrete would be my suggestion too. Plan to use it on my next stand actually. To me it has two big pros:
- Gives a complete flat surface with full support of the bottom of the tank
- Will set completely level and will therefore take care of any irregularities of the floor or the stand.

There a limit to how thin it can be?

 

[ihavecrabs]

There a limit to how thin it can be?

Well I picked up the stuff and will document the process.

 

[Mandelstam]

Well I picked up the stuff and will document the process.

It usually says on the package how thin you can apply it. And you need a steel mesh for reinforcement and attachment to the plywood. There is plenty of guides on the net for pouring self leveling concrete for flooring etc.

Hope it turns out good, and keep us updated!

 

[don_chuwish]

This should be interesting! I like the idea and will be interested in how you implement it.

 

[ihavecrabs]

...gathering supplies. This is one of those 10 trip kinds of projects.

Friday will be the day most likely!

 

[ihavecrabs]

Glass bottom stand and uneven plywood fix [emoji16]

Step 1: Trim out the stand top with some temporary trim work (excluding the front of the main tank in this case as I have a bar top ledge).

Step 2: Silicone the trim corners and where it meets the stand.. I don't want self level underlayment down the front or back!

Step 3: After the silicone has set, apply the plywood sealer surface prep recommended by the brand self-leveler underlayment purchased.

Step 4: Per directions, let cure for 2 hours minimum and for a maximum of 24 hours. Multiple coats may be required.

Step 5: Apply metal or plastic lath. I applied the metal lath with staples.

Step 6: Mix underlayment per directions and pour out carefully in multiple spots. Use a flat trowel to assist in leveling and ensuring coverage. It will self level.. this is just to assist.

Step 7: Have a plan for any leaks.. I had one spot that I applied some plumbing epoxy putty to stop a minor leak.

Results to come once it cures!

 

[Mandelstam]

Looking good!!

 

[rayn]

That turned out nice! I did much the same, but frames out the floor and leveled it up so the stand was level.

 

[ihavecrabs]

That turned out nice! I did much the same, but frames out the floor and leveled it up so the stand was level.

Nice. My issue was the plywood and my handyman skills haha. It looks cured now but I'm going to give it a few days before I pull the trim off

 

[rayn]

Nice. My issue was the plywood and my handyman skills haha. It looks cured now but I'm going to give it a few days before I pull the trim off

24 hours and you are more then good. Mine is on the floor and after 24 hours moved my stand and 240 onto it. Didn’t budge a bit.

 

[don_chuwish]

Tile guy used it to coat over the tile warming wires in our master bath. Fascinating stuff.