Scared.....

[Afrashz]

So the tank has been up and running for a while now. I have some corals and fish. Was watching some YouTube videos and got looking more at my stand and tank, that’s when I noticed this small gap in the front right corner of my tank, between the stand and tank. I can barely fit 2 playing cards into the gap. It goes about an inch in either direction from the corner. Everywhere else the tank frame is flush with the stand. What do you guys think??

 

[Afrashz]

Let me add the tank is a 75 g and is fully plumbed

 

[iko2thdk]

Is your stand level? Is the tank level??

 

[Afrashz]

Is your stand level? Is the tank level??

Tank is level stand is level

 

[Crabs McJones]

Can you shim it with something? Thatd probably he the best bet. Could you leave it, probably, but if you have the ability to shim it I would.

 

[iko2thdk]

Tank is level stand is level

I would shim it as well to make sure its supported. I like the composite shims widely available at Home Depot or lowes vs wood shims which compress.

 

[jaxredsoxfan]

I agree might be just fine but I would shim it with synthetic shims from HD or lowes , it would just let me sleep better at night

 

[Peace River]

I agree with the above recommendations about shimming. I am curious though - what is the stand top made out of? Is there any chance that it is pressboard or MDF and has swelled in spots? I'm just brainstorming and trying to help you cover all of your bases. Good luck!

 

[Afrashz]

I think it’s some form of particle board but it feels like plastic

 

[Crabs McJones]

I think it’s some form of particle board but it feels like plastic

Laminate particle board most likely. It's what alot of companies of IKEA style stands use

 

[Peace River]

I think it’s some form of particle board but it feels like plastic

If it is particle board then it should be fine to shim in the short term, but I would suggest that you consider making a plan to replace the stand at some point. I know it will be a pain, but still worth thinking about.

 

[jtl]

Shim it just to be safe.

 

[djray77]

Any updates on what you used/did? I have the same problem with mine. Luckily it's not full of water yet I'm just curious what the best option is?

 

[hubcap]

Just to offer another opinion....
Id put a rubber mat under the whole bottom of the tank as opposed to just shimming the corner.
The "logic" being disburse the load across the whole tank....giving equal support across the whole bottom as opposed to just adding resistance (shim) under the corners. Personally, Id worry about uneven support under a silicone joint.
Having it filled and up and running sure makes it harder but that whole ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure saying my parents drilled into my skull.

But there's nothing engineering or scientific behind my thought process. I could be totally off-base

-Hubcap

 

[vetteguy53081]

Shimming is a good suggestion. Ultimately, I would plana Major water change and have 4 buddies lift the tank for you with water drained down and obtain a Rubber mat (similar to one to line a tool box cabinet) and place down and lower tank on top of it. It will level the tank and fill gap.
Other option would be thin insulation foam that will again assist with leveling and insulate the bottom of tank ( a benefit in the event of power loss for temperature retention)

 

[djray77]

Shimming is a good suggestion. Ultimately, I would plana Major water change and have 4 buddies lift the tank for you with water drained down and obtain a Rubber mat (similar to one to line a tool box cabinet) and place down and lower tank on top of it. It will level the tank and fill gap.
Other option would be thin insulation foam that will again assist with leveling and insulate the bottom of tank ( a benefit in the event of power loss for temperature retention)

Would this work? Sorry dont mean to hijack the thread.

R-Matte Rmax R-Matte Plus-3, 1/2 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. R-3.2 Polyisocyanurate Rigid Foam Insulation Board-754404 - The Home Depot

R-Matte Plus-3/Thermasheath-3 is rigid foam plastic thermal insulation board. It's made of environmentally sound, closed cell, polyisocyanurate foam bonded to a durable white-matte (non-glare) aluminum

www.homedepot.com

 

[hubcap]

In my opinion, Id want something water/mold resistant and to have it have a "little bit of cushion/give"
With the thought being you want the mat to touch, and support, every square inch of the base of your tank.
Which your suggestion probably would cover.

But this is strictly opinion. Try and think for the long(er) term solution, preparing for the inevitable water contact and compression from weight (over time.)

I'm sure others will offer opinions.

-Hubcap

 

[Afrashz]

Any updates on what you used/did? I have the same problem with mine. Luckily it's not full of water yet I'm just curious what the best option is?

Haha feel free to hijack my thread no worries brotha, as for me, I shimmed mine with some thick paper. I pushed it in until I felt resistance and layered it accordingly. In your case, since your tank isn’t filled with water, corals and fish, you have time to adjust it properly by using some form of mat or shimming.

 

[djray77]

Haha feel free to hijack my thread no worries brotha, as for me, I shimmed mine with some thick paper. I pushed it in until I felt resistance and layered it accordingly. In your case, since your tank isn’t filled with water, corals and fish, you have time to adjust it properly by using some form of mat or shimming.

Thank you! . I just read this whole post over at reef central saying that you shouldnt use any kind of foam or leveling mat on a rimmed tank, so now I'm confused on what I should do. They are saying that the rim takes up the imperfections of the DIY stand and only rimless needs a leveling mat.

 

[Afrashz]

Thank you! . I just read this whole post over at reef central saying that you shouldnt use any kind of foam or leveling mat on a rimmed tank, so now I'm confused on what I should do. They are saying that the rim takes up the imperfections of the DIY stand and only rimless needs a leveling mat.

Is your tank hollow on the inside? If so you could put down a piece of plywood just to balance things out a bit