Leveling 265 Gallon Aquarium

Hugh Mann · Jun 30, 2020

So I've got my new-to-me 265 gallon coming next week, going into my basement, the floor of which I know is far from level. My question is how does one go about leveling such a large and heavy aquarium? It is coming with a sturdy wood stand.

First thing that comes to mind are plastic shims like what I used on my 55, but I fear even those may be crushed over time.

Montiman · Jun 30, 2020

I have always used wooden shims in the past. Most tanks of this size will have a metal stand with leveling feet but if yours is solid wood I would use shims.

Hugh Mann · Jul 1, 2020

Wood stand, no leveling feet.

Really? I really would think wood shims would be crushed over time, tank weighing some 3000+lbs when full.

Gets me thinking though, there is a fabrication shop just down the street, maybe they can put together a platform for the stand to sit on that has adjustable feet..?

Montiman · Jul 1, 2020

I have shimmed many tanks of around this size mostly 8ft 240s. The shims worked just fine. Do they crush over the years I don’t know. I have never checked the level after the initial set up but I can tell you that some of the large 300s and 240s that I set up when I worked at an LFS years ago are still going strong today. If it still holds water after 10 years it can’t be a horrible solution.

Scubafrog · Jul 1, 2020

I would go with a composite shim. These load bearing shims are rated up to 8,000 psi.

Load Bearing Information – EZ Shim Inc.

ezshim.com

piranhaman00 · Jul 1, 2020

I use composite shims.

Scubafrog · Jul 1, 2020

I am using Timberwolf composite shims that you can find at Lowe's. I found this test report on their website that states that there was no permanent deformation when tested.

https://www.timberwolfshims.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Compression-Test.pdf

Aggro · Jul 1, 2020

Hugh Mann said:
So I've got my new-to-me 265 gallon coming next week, going into my basement, the floor of which I know is far from level. My question is how does one go about leveling such a large and heavy aquarium? It is coming with a sturdy wood stand.

First thing that comes to mind are plastic shims like what I used on my 55, but I fear even those may be crushed over time.

So I would personally do a concrete pad down there maybe 2” thick make it level and bam take the guess work out of everything. Easier for me to say it because I dabble in concrete daily. But I would imagine that would be easier or you can make a 2x4 pedistal and cut rakes to the floor but that way is a lot more difficult and time consuming.

Aggro · Jul 1, 2020

Scubafrog said:
I am using Timberwolf composite shims that you can find at Lowe's. I found this test report on their website that states that there was no permanent deformation when tested.

https://www.timberwolfshims.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Compression-Test.pdf

Composite shims will hold forever use them in construction but it’s not will the shims hold it’s more a question will the shims dig into the wood over time causing it to become unlevel again.

if you go this route grab some 1/8” angel iron 2”x2” and skirt the bottom with it that will hold it for sure

Hugh Mann · Jul 1, 2020

Thought about a concrete pad, but I don't have the time, tools or expertise to do it right.

I think composite shims and angle iron will do the trick.

Scubafrog · Jul 1, 2020

Aggro said:
Composite shims will hold forever use them in construction but it’s not will the shims hold it’s more a question will the shims dig into the wood over time causing it to become unlevel again.

if you go this route grab some 1/8” angel iron 2”x2” and skirt the bottom with it that will hold it for sure

Good point. I have my composite shims under the plastic feet of my stand.

Aggro · Jul 1, 2020

Hugh Mann said:
Thought about a concrete pad, but I don't have the time, tools or expertise to do it right.

I think composite shims and angle iron will do the trick.

just hit home depot up for some angle iron put that on the bottom and use composite shims

Hydrored · Jul 1, 2020

I just put in an 8 foot tank that was perfectly level when full, 30 days later and now I have to shim it some more due to the wood floors flexing. It sucks

fishguy242 · Jul 1, 2020

how much off in 8' span also 4' span front to back?

Aggro · Jul 1, 2020

fishguy242 said:
how much off in 8' span also 4' span front to back?

my guess being in a base4ment they usuazlly have atleast 1/2% of slope so in 8ft... youre looking at prolly 1/2 inch or so. and youd only slope toward the outer wall usually