Leveling Mat Needed for AIO Tanks?

[drjustin]

Hello Forum!

I'm looking to get my feet wet in the mini-reef hobby and considering a few AIO aquariums.

My current top 3 being:
1. Red Sea Max Nano (20)
2. Coral Life Biocube (16)
3. JBJ Nanocube

My question is, do these tanks need a leveling mat? What tanks need them?

Thanks!

 

[Peace River]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!!

 

[Trixter227]

Hello Forum!

I'm looking to get my feet wet in the mini-reef hobby and considering a few AIO aquariums.

My current top 3 being:
1. Red Sea Max Nano (20)
2. Coral Life Biocube (16)
3. JBJ Nanocube

My question is, do these tanks need a leveling mat? What tanks need them?

Thanks!

Hey, i definitely think its a good addition. It helps with imperfections on the surface, think sand or other minor debris. Another thing to consider is once the tank is setup it would be pretty difficult to add later on.

 

[Trixter227]

In fact my new IM15 AIO came with a "leveling matt" already on it. So maybe check if they do aswell?

 

[X-37B]

Most nanos come with a pad.
If it has no rim then the tank needs a pad.

 

[Fish Styx]

Greetings and welcome. What does the manufacturer recommend or state is required? While I always use them, if they are not reccomended by the manufacturer it will void your warranty in the event something happens. Just something to consider in your decision making process.

 

[drolmaeye]

I don't know enough to say that you *need* one, but it certainly seems like a good idea. I recently purchased a Red Sea Max E-260 and the leveling mat came preinstalled on the cabinet top. I notice in the pics of the Nano Cube on the Red Sea website I can see the levelling mat in place. If you end up buying your own, maybe just make sure it is dense enough for the weight of a filled aquarium.

 

[Steven Garland]

You'll be thankful you did whenever you break the tank down and you go to move it. Paint and whatever/everything else is going to stick to it. Not worth potentially stretching a seam if its possible.