Help With Tank Sitting Uneven on the Stand

Dustin A. · Sep 10, 2017

I took down my old plywood tank yesterday to replace the flooring and the tank/stand. The new tank does sit completely flat against stand. The one end I can fit 2 credit under it. I need something quick because I have livestock sitting in stock tanks in the middle of my living room. What are your guys thoughts?

Dustin A. · Sep 10, 2017

Antics · Sep 10, 2017

Who is the tank manufacturer?

Dustin A. · Sep 10, 2017

Lifetime aquariums

Antics · Sep 10, 2017

This seems to be a common issue with lifetime/customaquariums.com

I've come across three different tanks builds from this company in the last two weeks and they all had some type of issue with the corners meeting the top of the stand.

The company apparently recommends buying and using the foam they sell in order to fix the problem.

Here is a link showing the issue with 2 other tanks.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/hatfieljs-187g-sps-build.322155/page-2#post-4011977

Dustin A. · Sep 10, 2017

So would you suggest I use the 1/2" foam? I was certain that my stand was completely flat, but then I see this.

Antics · Sep 10, 2017

I'd contact Lifetime/custom and get their sign off on the foam. One user I linked above used a square to show his stand top was perfectly flat/level and still had the issue. I don't think it's necessarily the stands fault at all. Call the manufacturer and explain it to them. I'm sure they will advise you best and give some peace of mind.

Antics · Sep 10, 2017

What are the dimensions of the tank? Looks great otherwise!

Dustin A. · Sep 10, 2017

Thanks, its a 8' L x 3' W x 2' H.

cromag27 · Sep 10, 2017

Trimmed tanks need a rigid surface, so I would never use foam under them. Foam is for flat bottom glass tanks only.

Dustin A. · Sep 10, 2017

cromag08 said:
Trimmed tanks need a rigid surface, so I would never use foam under them. Foam is for flat bottom glass tanks only.

While I would agree, typically, thats using the assumption the bottom of the trim is flat. This is not the case with this one. I took a few measurements from the bottom of the tank to the top trim, which as it turns out is the only level/flat portion of that tank, beside the stand.

cromag27 · Sep 10, 2017

Doesn't mean you should challenge physics. If the stand top is completely level, then get a new tank. NEVER shim under a tank and still, don't use foam under a plastic trimmed tank. The surface area of the trim is very small and if the tank settles wrong, the foam will collapse and the tank will not be level, which could lead to a blow out. Take it from a pro.

The manufacturer may recommend rigid foam, but that's only so they don't have to build you a new tank. They want the warranty to run out before failure, in which case they don't have to replace it. And if it does fail under warranty they will only replace the tank, nothing else. Good luck.

cromag27 · Sep 10, 2017

Also, the measurements you posted doesn't necessarily prove the tank isn't even. There could be an issue with the trim itself. In any case, there is a major problem and I hope the manufacturer will work with you.

hatfielj · Sep 10, 2017

Yep, the tank I bought from them has the same issue (though not quite as extreme as yours). They haven't really been very helpful, but I haven't pressed this issue because I bought the tank "as-is" for a very cheap price. They recommend shimming under the plywood, which I am going to try. However, I would not recommend this company to anyone else due to this issue. It is clear they are not being careful with their manufacturing process if this is the 3rd tank that has shown up on here with the same problem. Buyer beware

Antics · Sep 10, 2017

I really wish we could get more info from the manufacturer. I was seriously considering them for a future build. Seems odd for this issue to pop up so frequently unless it has something to do with how they frame the tanks.

Dustin A. · Sep 10, 2017

I decided to take Antics' advice and just wait and contact the company tomorrow morning. I will let you guys know what I hear.

Antics · Sep 10, 2017

bean2986 said:
It's holding up great so far. The metal has not dropped yet though, but who knows how long that could take. I did not do any shimming. My LFS contacted the builder and they informed me it would settle over time. Just need a table top stand, the foam, and that should be enough. They actually "require" their foam be used under their tanks, but never mention it when you buy the tank. I went back to the site to find information, and the only place I found it was as an "add-on" to a stand purchase.

Honestly, if you don't have the foam, I wouldn't fill the tank.

From another thread with a 180 customaquatiums.com

Joesig · Sep 10, 2017

yup, dont fill the tank

bean2986 · Sep 10, 2017

Check out my build thread- I'm the one being referenced above. Already went through this issue with them. Apparent explanation is how they ship. The pressure on the ends causes the metal to warp but doesn't affect the integrity of the tank. They "require" their foam and their stand for a lifetime warranty but unfortunately they don't emphasize this to the LFS or online. It's in the paperwork you signed though. Their customer service has been phenomenal and they've resolved all issues I had extremely fast. It was much easier buying through an LFS than direct though since they can be slow via phone...so I recommend that.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/bryans-180g-customaquariums-build.318311/#post-4024255