Leveling out A tank, plus wall space.

[dtd87]

I am about to set up my 50g and was wondering what is the best way to level it out. It will be sitting on carpet on a 2nd story apt.

It currently left to right is perfectly level but front to back is just a TINY bit more towards the front. It is however still in between the black lines on the carpenters level. I used to in my old home shim the aquarium with carboard pieces all along the front of the aquarium. Is this still my best choice?

My second question is how far away from the wall should it be. It is on the load bearing wall and I currently have it set 5inches away from the wall. Which I have heard since I've been in the aquarium hobby is the best distance.

Any input helps! thank you

 

[Peppie]

Cant say anything about shimming on a carpet. But as for the distance from the wall, Mine is 4-5''. It is far enough to place a HOB skimmer and run power cords ect. I like to have enough room back there to get my arm behind the tank.

 

[Somethings Fishy]

just shim it with wood or plastic, will work fine i did with my tank because the bottom was slightly bowed (acrylic) good luck, post pics when you have it set up!!!!

 

[returnofsid]

As mentioned, wood or plastic shims will work well.

 

[dtd87]

As mentioned, wood or plastic shims will work well.

how would I know how big to get them? the stand doesn't lay flat but isn't on legs. It's one of the basic marineland pine stands. Is there anything else I should put under it?

 

[Chichas01]

You are leveling the stand first without the tank on it, right? You could try a piece of foam material betweent the tank and stand. I did that with mine. Got some stuff from a local upholstry shop that was similar to the stuff they use for exercise/yoga mats. Worked well.

 

[returnofsid]

how would I know how big to get them? the stand doesn't lay flat but isn't on legs. It's one of the basic marineland pine stands. Is there anything else I should put under it?

Buy a bundle or 2 of shims, from a building supply store. Shim the stand, to level, then fill in the gaps, with remaining shims, so there's constant contact, between stand and floor.

Then, place tank on stand and put enough water in it, to fill to the top of lower trim of tank. This will give you a visual to compare the water level, to the trim. Visually inspect all around the tank, to make sure the water level is exactly level, compared to the bottom trim. At this point, fine tune any leveling needs, with the shims. Fill the tank up and you're good to go.

 

[dtd87]

I basically did this, I borrow my aunts level which was WAY better and it was perfectly level without the shims. I'm checking with the more water I add and it's looking good.