Shimming my tank-Fail!

[Reefahholic]

Haven’t shimmed a tank in a while. I bought some wooden shims, and with the tank on the stand it was too heavy to shim. They broke on first wack with the hammer. I believe this is because I have vinyl floor and it doesn’t slide like tile. So now I think it’s time to head back to Lowe’s and get some composite shims which should slide better than wood. Not to mention they don’t rot or shrink.

Any opinions on getting them started easier? I know some of you have huge tanks. I’m thinking about wedging some kind of metal or heavy duty plastic wedges first??

 

[Reefahholic]

As you can see, I had no problems on the tile floor. They were able to slide much easier.

 

[jgirardnrg]

I'd use composite shims... the wooden ones are going to compress under the weight of the tank.

8 in. Composite Shim (12-Bundle) 10011700 - The Home Depot

Utilizing composite technology provide an environmentally responsible product which will handle all of your home improvement shim needs. Composite shims are perfect for any repair or remodeling need. The Timberwolf composite shim snaps cleaner and easier than wood saving you time.

www.homedepot.com

 

[Reefahholic]

I'd use composite shims... the wooden ones are going to compress under the weight of the tank.

8 in. Composite Shim (12-Bundle) 10011700 - The Home Depot

Utilizing composite technology provide an environmentally responsible product which will handle all of your home improvement shim needs. Composite shims are perfect for any repair or remodeling need. The Timberwolf composite shim snaps cleaner and easier than wood saving you time.

www.homedepot.com

That is the plan. I doubt I’ll use wood ever again knowing what I know now. I have used it in the past without issues, but never thought about it rotting or shrinking.

 

[jgirardnrg]

Good plan!

 

[BostonReefer300]

Yes on the composite shims. Maybe spray the shims with some lubricant prior to hammering them in?

 

[Beau_B]

May I recommend not “whacking”

Prefer to use a lever (i.e. flat bar) to gently lift the stand where needed, place shim(s) and lower.

 

[BostonReefer300]

May I recommend not “whacking”

Prefer to use a lever (i.e. flat bar) to gently lift the stand where needed, place shim(s) and lower.

I like this idea better. Forget about my advice!

 

[Reefahholic]

Yes on the composite shims. Maybe spray the shims with some lubricant prior to hammering them in?

Oh, great idea! Didn’t even think of that.

 

[Reefahholic]

May I recommend not “whacking”

Prefer to use a lever (i.e. flat bar) to gently lift the stand where needed, place shim(s) and lower.

That’s another good idea. I’ll have to grab one at Lowe’s in the AM. I think the flat bar and some lubricant will get er done.

 

[Reefahholic]

I like this idea better. Forget about my advice!

I think your advice is great. I’ll pick some lubricant up to. Should work well with the flat bar and composite shims.

 

[ZoWhat]

How big is this tank?

If you drain the tank down to 2" where the fish can still swim.... you relieve a tremendous amount of weight to do the proper leveling and redistributing weight.

You should empty, do your leveling and refill in 30mins. Keep a baster on hand to squirter the corals every 5mins with tank water. They'll be fine.