leveling the garage floor

dragonfisher33 · Jan 19, 2016

the place in the garage where I would like the QT tank to be isn't exactly leveled. as a matter of fact, when i have the QT tank against the wall, I need at least 3 shims that you buy from the big box stores in order to somewhat level the front 2 supporting posts. any idea how I can combat this issue?

should I be concerned with the middle section of the stand? since it's almost "free floating" without much support. I'm afraid that the stand will collapse because of the uneven floor.

dragonfisher33 · Jan 19, 2016

I might want to add: it's the oceanic cube 30 gallon with dimensions of 20x20x18.

dragonfisher33 · Jan 19, 2016

last picture shows 3 shims and still not leveled

human · Jan 19, 2016

Maybe look into self-leveling concrete, frame off where you want the tank to go, mix it, pour it, and let it cure. It'll give you a level foundation and no need for shims.

bevo5 · Jan 19, 2016

Man, that's a crazy floor. I once got into a bad pattern of having to increase the shims as I worked around the tank. Once I would raise one corner the other would need more etc. Are you sure you need all three of those to level that one corner? If so, that's nuts. The floor being so unlevel over 30in is a pretty steep incline!

But anyway - as long as the four corners are done you should be OK. That's where all of your weight is placed. I would put a shim or two in the middle anyway just to feel better - but with a cube like that you should be just fine as long as those corners are all pressing down perfectly on those shims. Think of steel stands - they only have the four corners touching the ground.

dragonfisher33 · Jan 19, 2016

bevo5 said:
Man, that's a crazy floor. I once got into a bad pattern of having to increase the shims as I worked around the tank. Once I would raise one corner the other would need more etc. Are you sure you need all three of those to level that one corner? If so, that's nuts. The floor being so unlevel over 30in is a pretty steep incline!

But anyway - as long as the four corners are done you should be OK. That's where all of your weight is placed. I would put a shim or two in the middle anyway just to feel better - but with a cube like that you should be just fine as long as those corners are all pressing down perfectly on those shims. Think of steel stands - they only have the four corners touching the ground.

good point on the steel stand. the garage floor is that way so that the water and any liquid flows away from the walls.