Never something this big or an outside tank.

[classseh]

Getting a 6x3x1.5 tank today, planning to put it outside but covered , the two concerns I have is the ground isn't very even and keeping water off the stand since heavy rain will be able to reach the stand.


The tank is already on a wooden stand however i'm throwing up a few ideas between using wedges, bricks or leveling feet, I've heard a recommendation of pallets as well but that I feel like that is a very bad option.

However setting up this tank is not a priority and i'm more then okay to just leave it for the time being if these options aren't the greatest

 

[Bleigh]

Out of curiosity, why are you setting it up outside?

 

[lapin]

I would try to level the ground and pack it down. Something like crushed granite is good on top of dirt pack that too. I would then use cinder blocks as a base for a top that the tank would sit on They wont rot if they get wet. I see this as an easy solution.

 

[classseh]

Out of curiosity, why are you setting it up outside?

I've been wanting to do an out door tank for a while and the area I have is actually a fairly great place for it, it's technically covered, split level, can drain water straight from the tank and it should be more then easy to access it from every angle.

The issue is the people who did these concrete slabs did cheap out.

 

[Bleigh]

I've been wanting to do an out door tank for a while and the area I have is actually a fairly great place for it, it's technically covered, split level, can drain water straight from the tank and it should be more then easy to access it from every angle.

The issue is the people who did these concrete slabs did cheap out.

Can't wait to see it. I can't help much on the leveling. I do think you can rent a machine that helps level the ground?

Do be careful about draining the salt water directly into the ground. I'm not sure how long it would take to build up, but I suspect you could end up with an ultra-halide area that will be death to anything in the ground.

 

[classseh]

I would try to level the ground and pack it down. Something like crushed granite is good on top of dirt pack that too. I would then use cinder blocks as a base for a top that the tank would sit on They wont rot if they get wet. I see this as an easy solution.

Not sure if it is that off level but I will definitely look more into this.

Cheers.

 

[classseh]

Can't wait to see it. I can't help much on the leveling. I do think you can rent a machine that helps level the ground?

Do be careful about draining the salt water directly into the ground. I'm not sure how long it would take to build up, but I suspect you could end up with an ultra-halide area that will be death to anything in the ground.

I̶t̶ ̶g̶o̶e̶s̶ ̶d̶o̶w̶n̶ ̶a̶ ̶d̶r̶a̶i̶n̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶a̶ ̶s̶t̶o̶r̶m̶ ̶w̶a̶t̶e̶r̶ ̶ <-- not that

Hopefully starting the build thread this weekend.

 

[jabberwock]

It goes down a drain to a storm water drain

Hopefully starting the build thread this weekend.

Better check your local regs on that. Discharging into a storm water drain sounds like a no no.

 

[classseh]

Better check your local regs on that. Discharging into a storm water drain sounds like a no no.

The existing drainage here connects to it so I might just be misphrasing it.

Edit: looks like it's going down the bathtub still

 

[JaimeAdams]

Welcome to Reef2Reef. I would certainly use something to raise the wooden stand off of the ground. Unless the wood used was rated for ground contact which would really surprise me if it was. It is very important to have the tank level as being even slightly off puts a ton of added pressure on those seams. If it is on concrete already you could add leveling feet, but I personally would want to put it on blocks first as someone was mentioning if water collects there during heavy rains.

 

[Mjrenz]

Maybe try using several bags of dry concrete to make a level base and make sure that the edges extend beyond the stand and have a gradual slope so it all stays in place, tamp it down and make a level platform on it with pavers. After it's all down mist the concrete with a garden hose and let it cure, after a few rains it will be a solid concrete base and it will be elevated. You may want to remove some top soil before doing this to prevent settling.

I've never tried this with a fish tank but I install generators and air conditioners for a living and this works great for them and lasts a long time. The only difference is I don't use pavers but use preformed pads for the equipment on top of the concrete

 

[jabberwock]

The existing drainage here connects to it so I might just be misphrasing it.

Edit: looks like it's going down the bathtub still

Big difference between the tub drain and the storm water drain. Storm water is going to discharge directly to a local water body. That would be the USACE jurisdiction. The tub drain goes to the city sewer or a septic system. Totally different deal.