Help with design for leveling tank on stand

[lion-clown]

Okay so I have been working on my new set up for about 2 years. I don't get a lot a time to make noise in the garage with 2 young kids and being in the military. But I am finally getting close and moved the stand and tank into the house ( still finishing the canopy). I noticed that the tank isn't setting on the stand perfectly level and I'm wondering what to put in between the tank and stand that would still look nice. Black would probably be the ideal color if possible. What ideas do you all have? The tank is a 40 gal breeder and the stand is a little big so that it will hold a 40 gal breeder for the sump.

Thanks Tony

 

[mfinn]

Do you see a gap between the tank rim and the top of the tank?
Or is the stand not level?

 

[spieszak]

It is glass or acrylic? There is a long standing argument on whether foam should or shouldn't be put under glass tanks. I don't know who is right, but I do know that you have to be more careful with tanks with frames as the frame is meant to carry the weight, and if you shift weight to the glass, it can cause problems.

 

[lion-clown]

Yea I see a gap between the tank rim and the stand

 

[lion-clown]

glass

Maybe a rubber pad?

 

[mfinn]

It is glass or acrylic? There is a long standing argument on whether foam should or shouldn't be put under glass tanks. I don't know who is right, but I do know that you have to be more careful with tanks with frames as the frame is meant to carry the weight, and if you shift weight to the glass, it can cause problems.

I've been putting glass tanks on Styrofoam board for close to 20 years. Never had a problem.

 

[lion-clown]

Is there a Styrofoam board that looks good?

 

[Peppie]

Setting a glass tank with a rim around the glass on a surface that is not flat is a leak/crack/flood waiting to happen. Is there any way you can flatten the top of the stand? IMO a piece of foam is only a band aid. The rim/trim should touch the stand top on ALL 4 corners . If it does, not a piece of foam or rubber will not disperse the weight of the tank as it is intended to be.
You should call the manufacture, and get info straight from the horses mouth on how the tank should be placed on the stand.

 

[lion-clown]

Here is some pictures for reference

 

[Peppie]

If it were me.
I would get a piece of 3/4'' plywood. Cut it 1/8'' to 1/4'' larger than the tanks trim. Stain it the same color of the stand. Place it on the stand. Set the tank on the plywood. Fill the tank 1/4 full. Shim the plywood so that it touches the bottom of the trim. place the shims approx every 2''. Now cut some more wood trim 1/8'' to 1/4'' taller than the highest point of the plywood. Stain the trim to match, nail it to the plywood edge. Instant flat surface.

 

[user 26995]

If it were me.
I would get a piece of 3/4'' plywood. Cut it 1/8'' to 1/4'' larger than the tanks trim. Stain it the same color of the stand. Place it on the stand. Set the tank on the plywood. Fill the tank 1/4 full. Shim the plywood so that it touches the bottom of the trim. place the shims approx every 2''. Now cut some more wood trim 1/8'' to 1/4'' taller than the highest point of the plywood. Stain the trim to match, nail it to the plywood edge. Instant flat surface.

I agree. take the extra step to make sure the tank doesnt twist at all. And this will look really nice.

 

[lion-clown]

Okay questions:

1: Why make it wider than the tank? it will make it so I have a gap between the trim and tank if I do that.

2: Does it need to be 3/4 in. thick or could it be 1/2 so the trim fully covers it?

3: If I understand correctly you would put the shimms in between the stand and the plywood? What keeps the shims in place?

4: I fill like all this is going to end up scratching the tank stand and would rather a quicker solution but I want it right.

 

[Peppie]

1. If you shape the molding correctly you wont have a gap.

2. Yes you could use 1/2''. Be sure not to use CDX. You want either "shop grade" or Cabinet grade" Plywood

3. Yes the shims will be placed between the top of the stand and the bottom of the plywood.

4. Place felt on the bottom of the plywood. In this case, this is the quickest solution. The other way is to flatten the top that is already on the stand. Not easy, and will take much much longer.

 

[lion-clown]

1: I guess I don't know how to shape molding or am thinking about it wrong

2: Sounds good

3: What holds the shims in place?

4: Rubber pad wouldn't work?

 

[Peppie]

Call me 253 314 1798

 

[lion-clown]

would tomorrow work?

 

[Peppie]

Sure
I can walk ya thru this project

 

[kpiotrowski]

Peppie. those of us who know you, TRUST you! but looking at your avatar.......? just sayin bud! lol.

 

[1guydude]

He will surely help u one way or another.
Lol
Some of these ppl have been doing this A LONG time.
-d

 

[lion-clown]

Oh he gave me great advice and I think that it will turn out well. I can't wait to see if it turns out like I hope it will.