Foam under tank?

[dantimdad]

I have used 1/2" Styrofoam under my tanks for years.

Now, I am reading that it's not good for rimless tanks. Why exactly? Are people just saying this? Are there instances this can be proven to be the culprit in a failure?

I am setting up a 93 cube and can't find the tool box foam in a 30" wide piece. 24" is as wide as I can find. Any other suggestions.

Thanks!

 

[ca1ore]

I think you follow the advice of the tank manufacturer and ignore all the internet experts. I am unaware of any tank maker that does not require foam under their tanks that rest on the full bottom. If it's a rimless at the top but rimmed at the bottom (like the deep blue tanks) then that's a different answer.

 

[DesertReefT4r]

Contact the tank manufacturer and see what they say to use if anything at all. Biggest thing with rimless tanks is to make sure the top of the stand where the tank sits is flat and level. No high spots to create pressure points once the tank is filled.

 

[dantimdad]

I understand the basics and have contacted Marineland. Their answer was buy their stand. LOL.

My question was more direct. Is one type of foam really better than another?

If I can find yoga mat or tool box liner wide enough I will go with it just to see. If not, styro it is.

 

[Fin]

Just to give you another option to consider, I am using a ½" rubber mat under my 125 (4'x3' mat - trimmed down) that I got from Tractor Supply. Got this idea from spspirate, who used the same mat under his 150 Reef Savvy.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/utility-rubber-mat-black-4-ft-x-3-ft-x--frac12-in?rfk=1

 

[dantimdad]

I used to work there. Should have thought of it. Thanks!

 

[ca1ore]

My question was more direct. Is one type of foam really better than another?

Well, that wasn't clear. Again, it depends on the style of the tank. I'm unfamiliar with your specific tank, but if it is rimless on the top but rimmed on the bottom, then ML will tell you no foam. If you decide to ignore them, then a rigid foam is required since softer ones will completely compress and do you no good (the pink stuff from HD would be good here). If the tank is not rimmed on the bottom, and it sits on the entire flat panel then almost any kind of Styrofoam will work. I still prefer the pink stuff (which can be bought in 4x8 sheets), but even the white pebbled foam will work here. I've not used yoga mats or any other kind of rubber mats; but I imagine they would work fine.

 

[dantimdad]

Well, that wasn't clear. Again, it depends on the style of the tank. I'm unfamiliar with your specific tank, but if it is rimless on the top but rimmed on the bottom, then ML will tell you no foam. If you decide to ignore them, then a rigid foam is required since softer ones will completely compress and do you no good (the pink stuff from HD would be good here). If the tank is not rimmed on the bottom, and it sits on the entire flat panel then almost any kind of Styrofoam will work. I still prefer the pink stuff (which can be bought in 4x8 sheets), but even the white pebbled foam will work here. I've not used yoga mats or any other kind of rubber mats; but I imagine they would work fine.

Thanks! I have both the white and pink at the house. But, I may get a stall mat. Undecided but have options now.

 

[PedroYoung]

If you are looking for wider foam they have some on BRS. I used it on my 200G

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/neoprene-foam.html