correcting a botched leveling mat job

Gusto · Jul 24, 2019

Hi Everyone,
I put on a leveling mat on my IM 30L and didn't do such a great job.. slipped and cut off more of the foam on one spot.. any suggestions on how to correct without making it worse or maybe even cover it up? Thanks

JasonK84 · Jul 24, 2019

Turn the mat around so that spot is at the back and not seen?

Gusto · Jul 24, 2019

Thank you Jason but it's adhered to the tank..

samnaz · Jul 24, 2019

I did the same with my 30L, but worse. Came to the conclusion that if I want a perfectly clean edge, I’ll have to just redo it with a new piece of foam.

Not sure yet if I want to go thru the hassle of redoing, or just leave it as is. I’d say you’re in the same boat as me. Can’t think of an easier solution.

TheGreatWave · Jul 24, 2019

Redoing it has been mentioned so another option at the chance of making it worse, you could take the tank off and try and take off a straight sliver using a strait edge.

Or leave it and put some black electrical tape across there. ;Joyful

Gusto · Jul 24, 2019

Thank you Samnaz, I feel the same way and I'm obsessive and like clean lines but I just might have to leave it.. the foam doesn't cut as easy as O would have liked..

Gusto · Jul 24, 2019

I thought about the sliver and might try that, I do have an extra piece that's about 9" x 36". I thought of cutting it back about 3" and trying to butt a new piece next to the existing piece.

samnaz · Jul 29, 2019

Gusto said:
I thought about the sliver and might try that, I do have an extra piece that's about 9" x 36". I thought of cutting it back about 3" and trying to butt a new piece next to the existing piece.

now that's not a bad idea! I might try that as well. I have a leftover extra piece that's long enough too.

only concern about that would be if you plan on going bare bottom, you'll have to be precise cutting straight on both front and back of the new sliver, as well as the remaining foam under the tank. Re-doing the whole thing might take just as much effort or less. I'll have sand so the only pretty part would need to be the front edge.

let us know what you decide to do

Gusto · Jul 29, 2019

samnaz said:
now that's not a bad idea! I might try that as well. I have a leftover extra piece that's long enough too.

only concern about that would be if you plan on going bare bottom, you'll have to be precise cutting straight on both front and back of the new sliver, as well as the remaining foam under the tank. Re-doing the whole thing might take just as much effort or less. I'll have sand so the only pretty part would need to be the front edge.

let us know what you decide to do

Thank you Samnaz... I haven't tried it yet but I will have to decide in the next few days since I would like to get the tank running this weekend. I also plan on having sand as well.. I will take pictures and let you know.. Thanks

JoshH · Jul 29, 2019

You could also get a razor blade (or contractors utility knife) cut it back just a sliver. And run a bead of caulking between the stand and tank. Wipe it clean and you would get a nice solid seam with the added benefit of waterproofing the gap between the tank and stand.

Gusto · Jul 29, 2019

Hi Josh, That's a definite thought that I will consider.. Will see if there's a black caulking and hopefully I run a better seal then I originally did in my tub. had to do it twice. LOL

JoshH · Jul 29, 2019

Gusto said:
Hi Josh, That's a definite thought that I will consider.. Will see if there's a black caulking and hopefully I run a better seal then I originally did in my tub. had to do it twice. LOL

There is definitely black caulking available. It might have mould inhibitors though. Definitely a no no inside sumps and tanks, I'm not too sure on whether or not it would be safe for outside the tank. I would think so but you just never know. Best thing when applying caulking, wear a glove latex or nitrile and wet your finger before you wipe the edge of the caulking.

samnaz · Jul 29, 2019

@JoshH to the rescue with a creative/ingenious solution... Would look super slick if done well, way better than foam.

Only possible issue with caulking it up would be having to ruin/re-do it if you wanted/needed to move the tank for whatever reason.

JoshH · Jul 29, 2019

samnaz said:
@JoshH to the rescue with a creative/ingenious solution... Would look super slick if done well, way better than foam.

Only possible issue with caulking it up would be having to ruin/re-do it if you wanted/needed to move the tank for whatever reason.

If you're skilled with a utility knife, after it's all caulked up you can cut directly along the bottom edge of the caulking or the top edge of the stand. If done right it shouldn't be noticeable and will still look clean. If you have a spot to test it on you could also wipe the top edge of the stand with soapy water before applying the caulking and then apply it. The soapy water will prevent the caulk from sticking directly to the stand while it cures. Which means it should stay with the tank when it's moved. Definitely not for a beginner but it would be doable.

Gusto · Jul 30, 2019

JoshH said:
There is definitely black caulking available. It might have mould inhibitors though. Definitely a no no inside sumps and tanks, I'm not too sure on whether or not it would be safe for outside the tank. I would think so but you just never know. Best thing when applying caulking, wear a glove latex or nitrile and wet your finger before you wipe the edge of the caulking.

I will look and see if there is any mold inhibitors and try the latex glove

samnaz said:
@JoshH to the rescue with a creative/ingenious solution... Would look super slick if done well, way better than foam.

Only possible issue with caulking it up would be having to ruin/re-do it if you wanted/needed to move the tank for whatever reason.

yes, I do like this idea.. I will try not to move the tank..LOL