Hello, First Rimless Tank Help w/ Poll

[Struansmochkins]

Hi folks,

I'm setting up a Waterbox 25 peninsula. This is my first foray back into reefing since a long time back and my first rimless tank. I've setup on top of an existing countertop and now I'm second guessing the install. The countertop is tile and seeing grout line depth under the built-in Waterbox foam pad is giving me concern.

Going to sleep on the idea of re-grouting over the existing surface to smooth this out before proceeding. What would you do?

Thanks,
Shawn

(Edit: typo)

 

[dstockwell]

Can’t see how the grout line is going to cause an issue.

Welcome to the Reef

 

[MNFish]

I think it would be fine where it is, however I seem to spill water and I am a bit worried that water would get in the grout lines under the aquarium and cause the grout to soften, probably not a big deal but I dont know.

 

[CosmicMan]

I think it would be fine where it is, however I seem to spill water and I am a bit worried that water would get in the grout lines under the aquarium and cause the grout to soften, probably not a big deal but I dont know.

Leveling matt?

 

[CoralB]

Yes I agree with cosmic man !! , leveling Matt or styrofoam

 

[Struansmochkins]

Yes I agree with cosmic man !! , leveling Matt or styrofoam

Thanks for the input. To be clear though, are you suggesting I add another layer of foam to the builtin waterbox self-leveling mat?

 

[Cell]

WB comes with pre-installed mat. I would be completely comfortable with this as long as the tiles are nice and even/flush.

 

[HBtank]

Wouldn't worry for a tank that size and built in mat, as someone mentioned protecting the counter would be my larger concern.

 

[Mr Fishface]

I think it would be just fine. It does have the mat and even if it looks like there are gaps under the mat now, once you fill with water there shouldn't be any with all the water weight.

 

[Struansmochkins]

Ok, thanks, I'll double check the tiles are reasonably flush.

For points about protecting the counter, it was designed as a wetbar and I'll be installing leak detection sensors so I feel it's safe enough. I've kept a slightly larger rimmed tank here before too so I know it's structurally sound too.

 

[CoralB]

Thanks for the input. To be clear though, are you suggesting I add another layer of foam to the builtin waterbox self-leveling mat?

Totally my bad !! , I just looked again at your pic and for some reason I did not notice that it had a Matt and I wear glasses lol!! . I retract my statement and add that it should be fine . Sorry ! . I would be concerned though about spills following the grout lines under the tank .

 

[CosmicMan]

Totally my bad !! , I just looked again at your pic and for some reason I did not notice that it had a Matt and I wear glasses lol!! . I retract my statement and add that it should be fine . Sorry ! . I would be concerned though about spills following the grout lines under the tank .

I didnt notice that either. Maybe the weight if the water will close those gaps. If not maybe some black caulk around it if you dont want water to get in.

 

[Struansmochkins]

Thanks to @Cell for the advice on checking tile flushness. After closer inspection I found a somewhat significant highspot. I balanced a level there to check the gaps at each end and it was close to the thickness of the built-in foam pad. I ended up moving forward with an additional sheet of EVA foam I found at Michael's for $9.

The tank has been setup for some time now and seems fine. I'll be looking to post additional write ups on my par testing my nicrew light, driving that with a hydros controller, and my overall tank build soon. Just need to get this darn thing to cycle next.

Here's an overly blue picture with my phone for now. Thanks again everyone.

(Edit: I originally credited @HBtank for a tip from @Cell . Both had good feedback and I should drink 3 cups of coffee before posting to forums )