Foam under 300 gallon acrylic tank

[Jordan Cantrell]

I’ve been doing a lot of research and see mixed opinions on whether to place foam under large acrylic tanks. Can anyone give me their experience? I’m leaning towards the pink sheet foam at big box hardware stores 1/2 inch.

 

[JumboShrimp]

That’s the way I would go— all I can say is, it would be my “comfort level” (rather than having it sit directly on a stand).

 

[fishguy242]

agree 100%

 

[BZOFIQ]

you can use very thin foam under acrylic, technically there is no reason to use it as it allows the bottom to deflect.

 

[Troymy]

1/2 Could be enough to bust a seam Maybe some real thin like what goes under laminate flooring. I had the front of a 90 acrylic breakout didn’t have enough support on the bottom

 

[Djordan719]

you can use very thin foam under acrylic, technically there is no reason to use it as it allows the bottom to deflect.

I’m confused now. I’ve had and have large glass tanks, but I’m waiting on a 10x3x2 acrylic tank to arrive and was planning to use a 1/2” to 1” foam board underneath the tank. My understanding as been that this was the best practice because of impurities and pressure points.

 

[nereefpat]

I would ask the manufacturer.

For me to recommend, pictures would help. Generally, I think most acrylic tanks wouldn't need foam if the stand is flat and fully supported.

 

[HBtank]

I don’t think it is necessary with acrylic tanks from a safety standpoint, but may help with leveling?

 

[Chrisv.]

1/2 Could be enough to bust a seam Maybe some real thin like what goes under laminate flooring. I had the front of a 90 acrylic breakout didn’t have enough support on the bottom

A little confused by this post -- I've never had an acrylic tank. Is it possible that adding the foam could be a bad thing?

 

[hart24601]

I would ask the manufacturer.

For me to recommend, pictures would help. Generally, I think most acrylic tanks wouldn't need foam if the stand is flat and fully supported.

Yes 100% if the manufacturer is known call them and do what they say. They know their tank and have a vested interest in it not failing. Sure forum advise is fine, and something to keep in mind, but no one here unless a representative of that company has any risk giving any answer

 

[JumboShrimp]

I agree with @hart24601 — although the manufacturer can tell you about their tank; they will have to ask a bunch of questions about your stand— and that’s where the ‘out of level,’ ‘pressure point’ type of aspects could become key. But again, no doubt that calling the Mfg. could only be a positive move.

 

[RedoubtReef]

I'm using a thin neoprene exercise mat material under my 80 gallon display. The guy who built my tank always recommends some sort of pad on all his acrylic tanks.

 

[Jordan Cantrell]

Has anyone used the pink foam and how did the tank settle on it?

 

[Jordan Cantrell]

actually I’m leaning towards the neoprene mat the BRS sells. Do you guys think one or two layers. It’s 1/8 inch.