Tank Became Unlevel

[piranhaman00]

Hello,

This 180 gallon (72"x24"x24", 1/2 glass, rimmed) tank was set up level in November 2019. I am setting up a new tank and randomly decided to throw the level on the 180. I have a 3/4" piece of plywood on top of the stand that sticks out around the stand, I put the level on there because I know the trim is not always level itself.

It looks like after settling the tank got off level, I can only assume it has been like this for over a year now. Its too hard to image level so I just made the images in word.

Would you be concerned by this? I lowered the water level to right at the bottom trim to remove a lot of "extra water" in the DT (benefits of HOB overflow). This will take some pressure off but obviously not a fix it. Its would be basically impossible to re level the tank as the tank is leveled with 4 leveling legs that are bolts screwed into the bottom of the four corners. I would have to completely empty tank and even then would be difficult.

So yes, question, would this concern you? The front to back is worse, it equates to about 1/16" across the two feet, the side to side I am not really worried about, very minuscule difference.

Thanks!

 

[Mike from TN]

To answer your question, yes I would be a “little concerned” about this. A 180, loaded with water, sand, rock etc is heavy enough to cause the floor under it to sag. It could just be normal settling of your home and it will stop sagging.
Drop your water line to a level that can be easily measured and keep an eye on it. Over a 72” span, it would be easy enough to monitor the distance above the water line to the bottom of the rim to see any changes.
If it gets worse, you could always have a foundation specialist come out and check to see if that section of your home can have added supports installed.

 

[fishguy242]

hi, jmo.. i think you will be fine,
check lowered water level in tank that would be your true level..

 

[piranhaman00]

To answer your question, yes I would be a “little concerned” about this. A 180, loaded with water, sand, rock etc is heavy enough to cause the floor under it to sag. It could just be normal settling of your home and it will stop sagging.
Drop your water line to a level that can be easily measured and keep an eye on it. Over a 72” span, it would be easy enough to monitor the distance above the water line to the bottom of the rim to see any changes.
If it gets worse, you could always have a foundation specialist come out and check to see if that section of your home can have added supports installed.

Great idea to check water level for true level! Also the tank is on vinyl flooring that is on a concrete slab in basement of old, old duplex. I dont think the ground is sagging but I think the leveling legs pierced or pushed down on the vinyl flooring when filled. I will continue to monitor but I dont think it will become more unlevel, but where its sits now is that safe?

hi, jmo.. i think you will be fine,
check lowered water level in tank that would be your true level..

Great idea to use water level as true level, thanks!

 

[Mike from TN]

Great idea to check water level for true level! Also the tank is on vinyl flooring that is on a concrete slab in basement of old, old duplex. I dont think the ground is sagging but I think the leveling legs pierced or pushed down on the vinyl flooring when filled. I will continue to monitor but I dont think it will become more unlevel, but where its sits now is that safe?




Great idea to use water level as true level, thanks!

Didn’t realize you were on a slab floor.
You’re probably okay if it’s just the legs compressing the vinyl. Once it’s fully compressed, it won’t tilt any further.

 

[ca1ore]

The bigger problem is twisting. 1/16" out of level across a 24" span is not a big deal as long as it is the same on both ends. Likewise for the out of level along the long axis - same on both the front and the back? Bit odd though on a slab floor. If it was the vinyl compressing, you'd think it would happen equally across the stand. FWIW, I bet the majority of tank owners would find something similar if they put a level on their tank ..... makes me think i ought to check mine LOL.

 

[piranhaman00]

Didn’t realize you were on a slab floor.
You’re probably okay if it’s just the legs compressing the vinyl. Once it’s fully compressed, it won’t tilt any further.

Exactly! I think the vinyl compressed right when filling it, I never checked again after filling

The bigger problem is twisting. 1/16" out of level across a 24" span is not a big deal as long as it is the same on both ends. Likewise for the out of level along the long axis - same on both the front and the back? Bit odd though on a slab floor. If it was the vinyl compressing, you'd think it would happen equally across the stand.

Thank you, I will check the other sides. Agreed, not sure exactly how it got unlevel, guessing that the vinyl compressed easier in some areas.

 

[CMMorgan]

1/16 oe less is easily compression in the vinyl. On a slab, I would not lose any sleep over it.