I am not sure i have the highest quality level tool and am not sure just how perfect the surface should be. The bubble in my level is in between the two lines however closer to the line in some spots further over to the next line in other spots -still in between the lines at all spots. Is that close enough? Plus I have a 1/2inch Styrofoam pad under the tank will this compensate and protect against any minor contortions and leveling issues? Thanks!
before i fill my new tank, surface level question
- Thread starter srossnz
- Start date
Being level is important. My tank is slightly off level because of the floor underneath and I have never had a problem in 4 years.
Any compensation should be done under the stand not the tank. The tank bottom must be level or it will cause stress to the bottom. Styrofoam IMO is not strong or solid enough and will eventually become compacted down.
Your tank can be (slightly) un-level, but the bottom must be on a flat surface. If you level the stand make sure that it can support the eventual weight, which depending on the size of the tank can be pretty darn heavy.
Any compensation should be done under the stand not the tank. The tank bottom must be level or it will cause stress to the bottom. Styrofoam IMO is not strong or solid enough and will eventually become compacted down.
Your tank can be (slightly) un-level, but the bottom must be on a flat surface. If you level the stand make sure that it can support the eventual weight, which depending on the size of the tank can be pretty darn heavy.
In my experience this is not true - I've kept aquariums for nearly 40 years, and have never experienced problems with Styrofoam not being strong enough... It will compact, though, as it's supposed to - this is what distributes the load uniformly.
To check for levelness, just fill the tank say 50%, and then measure the height of the top edge of the vertical panes above the water level - if it's level you should get the same reading on all sides and corners.
Hennie
I agree with both the above posters...I do use stryofoam between my tank and the stand. It is there to account for any inconsistencies we didn't notice when building the stand...I didn't want a bit of wood to cause a stress point on the glass. However, when levling the tank we did make sure it was level to the stand in a test run. However, the real leveling came when making sure the stand was level after being in it's final place. For that we used wood shims under the front of the stand to account for the carpet tack along the baseboards. That got the stand level with the floor and the tank was level with the stand..and when tested all together all was thankfully level as a unit. Even still, I had the stand bolted to the wall for to be sure it didn't shift
I ended up going with a 12mm piece of hard plywood cut to size and my styrofoam on top of that, then the tank. Everything is flat as can be and level, even more level than I thought I'd be able to get it, my water lever is the same all around the tank in line with the top glass 
I apologize for my misinformation! I am very cautious about giving advice because I have only kept saltwater for about a year and freshwater for about 4 years - I only comment if I have had specific experience. When it comes to building (as a homeowner I am always fixing something), I thought I was qualified to say that styrofoam would be a bad choice _ MY BAD! I will be more discerning in the future.
I am glad you solved your issue and I have learned something new.
The value of collective wisdom.
I am glad you solved your issue and I have learned something new.
The value of collective wisdom.
I wanted to underscore this because it really is worth newbies reading. That is the best way to use the boards in my mind, gather multiple opinions, research them and make your own decision to get more advice or take the best answer based on your own situation and the further research you did.