Styaphoam

[bksmith]

I have heard of (on this site I believe) people using styraphoam (or however you spell it) underneath new tanks to make sure they are level.

Does anyone have any advice on how to do this (i.e. what thickness needed, where to buy, etc...)

Thanks.

[OrionGirl]

Insulation board from Home Depot/Lowe/etc. Cut to fit under your tank, even with the outside edges of the frame, maybe slightly larger to make it easier to align. Even with this, do your best to get the stand and tank level.

:)

[bksmith]

Thanks.

Any particular thickness thickness recommended?

[OrionGirl]

Maybe someone else can chime in--I've never used it. I wouldn't go with anything less than 1/4 inch, or more than 1 inch...But you should see what others say. :)

[a_free_bird73]

Styrofoam is not really used to level the tank. It is used to remove irregularity from the surface as not to induce point stress which is the typical reason for cracking the bottom glass.

I use 1/4" for the 10 and 45 G's and 3/4" for the 150G (which I still think is a bit of an overkill). Mind you, the total bottom surface is supported. If your support is only on the edges you may need to use thicker foam specially for the larger tanks

[Kit Walker]

I use styrofoam about 1cm thick under all my tanks. Here in Australia nearly all aquarium outlets sell them already cut to the most common sizes.

[gcvt]

I use styrofoam under all my tanks - I went with the 3/4" stuff from Home Depot.

[bksmith]

Thanks for all the replies.

With your information I think I have changed my mind and decided not to use styrophoam. I'm really excited about the 92G Corner tank I'm putting in my Living room and I'm planning a reef for it. I really don't want to see stryophoam between the stand and the tank - I'm looking for a show tank look.

I guess I'll just make extra sure that the stand and bottom of the tank are clean and smooth before filling with water.

Thanks again.

[a_free_bird73]

I can understand your reasoning but don't underestimate this topic. It is not just a matter of being clean. It really depends on how the stand is constructed and in some cases it is not a choice but a necessity. Most aquarium stands have an edge which covers the foam, so you never acutally see it. In the case of my 150G I opted for a home made stand and added the edge to hide the foam and about half the gravel (where the build up of crap is usually more of a visual concern for show tanks). If you are having a show tank, then you will have to add the cover edge no matter what, in which case using foam is a much safer option.