Another Stand Question...

Branflake

AC Members
Jan 9, 2006
22
0
0
Nova Scotia, Canada
if you can handle hearing another! I shimmed my tank stand between the floor and the stand to get my tank level. Now as I am looking at it, I wonder if the shimms are a good idea. My stand doesn't have four legs - it has a flat bottom that is supposed to sit on the floor. Unfortunately, the floor there is not level. I'm looking at it and wondering if the thing will warp on the bottom from the pressure of the tank/stand on the shims. I used them every 6 inches or so, but still.....What do you think? Is it ok, or do I need a new home for my tank? (Don't know where else I will put it).
 
What size tank? It should be ok, if you are really worried, you can put a piece of styrofoam (i used 1.5") under your tank. It helps absorb the impact of the tank and naturally levels it out. It also helps keep heat in (I line the back of my tanks too… it gets cold here in South Dakota!)
 
Its a 55 gallon. I'm worried that the bottom of the stand will buckle or break where it is shimmed up since it is flat bottomed. ARRGH I can't take it! I want so badly to fill it up to test for leaks and then drain it so I can start setting it up. It is driving me nuts!
 
I would think that shimming is okay.

if you are worried about the frame of your stand you could build a custom shimm to fit the entire frame that is in contact with the floor.
look at the frame of the stand..if it was built for a level floor..if you don't shim it you will cause stress at the joints.

I have a stand for my 55 that is wood..there are 4 contact points on the frame.the rest is dress up.

imho
 
I should think that as long as you have leveled the stand out on it's strongest points, e.g. the corners, then you should be OK support wise. The middle shouldn't be too much of an issue, I would think.

You just have to make sure you put the shims directly under the vertical members of the stand. That's where the strength is going to be. If it's made out of wood, it's going to flex a bit anyway with 600 plus pounds sitting on it.

I would also secure your stand to the stud wall. That way it will be more stable front to back and less likely to tip.
 
i doubled checked with my dad, handy man extraordinaire, and he thinks that as long as your stand is level front to back, side to side, and diagonally and you shim every 6" you will be fine.
 
AquariaCentral.com