Under tank matting
- Thread starter TonapahNorth
- Start date
- Tagged users None
pugcrush
Well-Known Member
Since this sounds like a custom build, the manufacturer might recommend what to use. It would also depend on the size, etc. I'd be 100% sure with them as this might void warranties if the guidelines aren't follwed. But usually the yoga mat is recommended or a type of insulation from the hardware store.
Jimbo662
2500 Club Member
I recently got a tank from SCA. They said this would work fine:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OQTV2I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I put it under my tank and sump.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OQTV2I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I put it under my tank and sump.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
OP
OP
TonapahNorth
Reefed In
It's a flat bottom glass tank. 60x32 are the bottom dims.
OP
OP
TonapahNorth
Reefed In
http://www.rubbercal.com/sheet-rubber/neoprene-rubber/closed-cell-rubber-blend.html
1/16" is $17 .... might be a winner
1/16" is $17 .... might be a winner
You need a sturdy piece of plywood first, then a piece of rigid foam. I use foamular from the home depot.
Do NOT use rubber of any type.
Do NOT use rubber of any type.
OP
OP
TonapahNorth
Reefed In
Thanks
My stand is solid with wooden legs and powder coated steel. With a 3/4" sheet on top, it's a good base.
I'll check out the box stores today. I have time yet so I haven't pulled the trigger on anything.
Why no rubber? It looks like most of these mats are foam rubber of some kind.
Last edited:
+1, why no rubber?
For smaller tanks (nano) rubber isn't an issue. for larger tanks, rubber can lose its shape, stretch or compress over time. I'm sure there's some type of rubber that could be fine, but I'd rather not risk it. foam such as foamular has been standard under flat bottom glass tanks for years and years.
FYI, acrylic flat bottom tanks just need a flat piece of plywood. no foam needed.
FYI, acrylic flat bottom tanks just need a flat piece of plywood. no foam needed.
OP
OP
TonapahNorth
Reefed In
We have a lot of local plastics companies in my town. I just called a friend and he handed me a 4x8 sheet of 1/8" closed cell pvc. It is quite rigid. I actually said that I didn't know if it would work and he insisted I take it just in case. It is very hard but he said it is designed to spread the load of heavy weights and has a really high "duro" or "dura" (i didn't hear it quite right) rating.
Maybe this should have been my first question. I assumed it was to spread the load and ensure that the tank has a firm support. But what exactly is the purpose of this matting?
Maybe this should have been my first question. I assumed it was to spread the load and ensure that the tank has a firm support. But what exactly is the purpose of this matting?
I'm assuming you are not referring to neoprene foam then?
Not for med/large tanks.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Owens-Co...uared-Edge-Insulation-Sheathing-45W/100320352
It does help prevent uneven settling and weight distribution. glass is not very forgiving so you need some type of material that has a little give, but not much. regular styrofoam is too forgiving, high density foam is less forgiving.
Plastics bend and warp. I would not use any plastic.
You'd think BRS would have mentioned that at some point if it was an issue
azbigjohn
Valuable Member
If it starts as 2" thick, how much does it compress down to? Or do you have a 2" pin base around your tank?
I just purchased a used 6' x 2' custom rimless glass tank that has a piece of 1/2" acrylic bonded to the bottom, and a stand with 3/4" plywood over steel. The previous owner didn't use any foam... Curious if that is satisfactory, or if I should get foam anyway.
