What type of mat for under aquarium?

[DougH]

I'm getting a used tank this week and wondering what type of mat is recommended between the tank and stand.

I've seen a couple post that a mat can help reduce vibrations from pumps, etc.

Is it a rubberized mat (dish mat) that you would get at Smart&Final or Costco or is it a high density foam from other source?

The tank is a 180 gal Acrylic.

Thanks
Doug

 

[Mauisreef]

Hello DougH and Welcome:exclaim:
I've used the insulating foam (1 1/2 inch I think)from the lumber yard with good results.
But that was on 125 gal tanks and smaller.
I'm sure you will get a bunch of replies to chew on.
Lot of very smart people on here with plenty of exp.

Maui

 

[Reefdaddy1]

Welcome Doug my man... You can use Styrofoam in thin layers to adjust leveling and some have used the spray foam as well, I use the styro sheets that are pink in color, they do me well.

 

[JPG@CFI]

I can't reccomend enough a 1/2" thick sheet of closed cell foam used as a sleeping bag mat. You can pick it up at various places for a reasonable buck, good luck!

Jason
CFI
worldclassaquariums.com

 

[DougH]

Should I use a tank mat for a glass tank?

Well, I've decided on a glass Oceanic tank instead of acrylic.
The Oceaning tanks do have a plastic rim like most glass tanks. The glass is 1/2" thick, tempered and pre-drilled.

Should I use a mat for under the glass tank, even with the bottom plastic tank rim? The stand is the matching Oceaning stand.

It was mentioned to use 1/2" closed cell foam, similar to a sleeping bag mat.

Should I pick up a sleeping bag mat at Sports Authority or somewhere like that? I think the foam mats are blue in color, at least on one side and possibly waterproof.

Thank you,
Doug

 

[morgan]

styrafoam is probley the best people talk about neopren which is wet suit material but that expensive u will need sumthing junder your tank otherwise u can get stress fractures and stuff

 

[Scooterman]

I can't recommend enough a 1/2" thick sheet of closed cell foam used as a sleeping bag mat. You can pick it up at various places for a reasonable buck, good luck!

Jason
CFI
worldclassaquariums.com

This is exactly what I used on my 125 acrylic & I agree it seems to be better than anything else I've ever tried. It is a sleeping mat 1/2" I got at Academy Sporting goods, one side is sorta like small egg shell & the other is flat, very closed cell spongy type of texture to it. Mine is blue, looks cool with water in it.

 

[DougH]

Tank mat - egg crate vs. flat cut

Would convoluted (egg crate) foam be better than a "flat cut"?

Thanks
Doug