Leveling 265 Gallon Aquarium

[Hugh Mann]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

I use composite shims.

 

[Scubafrog]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[Aggro]

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

 

[fishguy242]

my train of thinking is 3/4 or 1" pink insulation foam board on floor ,weight of tank will find true level
unless more that half inch either way

 

[Hugh Mann]

I only wish my basement was that level. It's 1/2" off over a 48" span, and 1/4 off the width.

Might have to get... Funky... With this big one.

 

[fishguy242]

as said earlier ,build a platform going from 0 to height needed,3/4 exterior ply ,exterior 2x ripped to sizes