210 not even on stand

[Brett newell]

I built a stand a couple weeks ago for my 210. I leveled the stand when I put it in place and then checked it again after putting tank on. Its level all areas on top of tank. So I plumbed it up today and was doing some cord management and noticed a gap on the back left corner. A little less than 1/8 inch. It looks like the back frame of the stand is bowed down slightly around half way.
I'm not sure if I should fill in and let the weight true out the stand or put some wood shims in to make up for the bow in the wood.

 

[Brett newell]

Wouldnt some wood shims be the safest way to go to fill the gap between tank and stand? Then it can compress and not create additional stress points? I can push down on the back left corner of the tank and make it touch without lifting the other corners

 

[paphater]

I'd shim and call it good. I had a 150g that required shims.

 

[Brett newell]

You shimmed between the tank and stand?

 

[paphater]

Yeah. No problems at all with it.

 

[Brett newell]

Did you just shim the corner or do it evenly all the way around?
I'm sure I'm over thinking it, I've seen the stands that these tanks come with and those are very scary

 

[davocean]

You should never shim between tank and stand, shim at floor only.

 

[paphater]

Did you just shim the corner or do it evenly all the way around?
I'm sure I'm over thinking it, I've seen the stands that these tanks come with and those are very scary

Just shim the corner. Make sure not to lift the edges that already sit on the stand as you are inserting the shims and check to make sure the tank stays level. My tank lasted over two years like this until I tore it down to upgrade.

 

[davocean]

If weight of tank does compress top, you're going to have that shim bumping up and it can cause serious issues, potential failure.

You should wait for other comments if you don't take my word, but I am a licensed general contractor that has specialized in cabinets and reef aquarium cabinets for many years.

No one I know would tell you to shim between tank and stand ever.
That is a big no no.

 

[Brett newell]

The problem is no amount of shims at the floor will will help in this situation. The stand and tank are both dead nuts level. If I put water in the water is also level.
I'm afraid shims on the floor will make the issue worse because it will unlevel the tank.

 

[paphater]

Davocean is probably much more knowledgeable on the issue. Just letting you know what worked for me.

 

[Redfoxtang]

I wouldn’t put shims in. Just take tank off and around edge of the stand add 3/4 foam board from Lowes/HD. This will take out any inconsistencies between the tank and stand. Will add cushion and prevent failure.

 

[paphater]

Foam should definitely not be used on tanks with bottom rims.

 

[davocean]

Foam is not normally used for trimmed tanks, but always check w/ manufacturer recommendations as that can vary.

The real issue w/ foam on trimmed tanks is people have used too thick of foam, and that can cause reverse pressure on bottom panel which conflicts w/ design.

However, that is using too thick, so if the gap under bottom panel was a half inch, and you used greater than half inch, and usually substantially greater, inch or better, that is where it can be an issue.

Many people have used foam on trimmed tanks anyway, thin foam would not cause an issue, it's just usually not needed.

Building a stand w/ dimensional lumber can be hard to make perfect.

Personally I use 3/4" ply subtop, adds strength and helps ride slight deviations, and that minor gap you have would probably be resolved from that alone.

You probably are fine as is, I just hate that word probably when it comes to tanks filled w/ water.

Checking for square by measuring each corner to corner measurement is key, and if I had to guess your issue, probably the issue.

Depending how you built, and how rigid it is, it will probably flex out on fill up, maybe, maybe needs a shim.

Not seeing in person, I'd suggest a ply top if I'm giving advice for what is safest and easiest resolve.

 

[davocean]

Davocean is probably much more knowledgeable on the issue. Just letting you know what worked for me.

I don't mean to sound mean, I just want to clarify and keep op from having a serious issue.
If that worked for you and you are comfortable w/ that resolve, all good, your tank, but for OP or anyone reading it just isn't the safest or proper resolve, and it can stress that tank if it racks it out of square.
Usually trimmed tanks are pretty forgiving, a flat panel/trimless not so much.

 

[Brett newell]

Did the pictures post? I'm not sure they're the best as it's on the back side so I cant get a good picture.
It is an issue with the rear brace being slightly warped. Everything is level including the tank. But if I go around each corner and measure 3 are at 40 inches and the back left side is warped down and it measure a little less than 1/8 shy of 40 inches. Which is why I dont think a shim under the stand will help. 3000 lbs of downward pressure tho will most likely true out that board being that I was very careful to make every piece identical length. But my concern is if I add water it will flex the glass too much, but youd think that 1/2 inch glass is much stronger than 2x6

 

[Brett newell]

Here is the front of the stand. It's that top 2x6 on the back

 

[davocean]

To check for square you measure diagonally corner to corner, so lower left to upper right, and you'd do that at every corner to corner diagonal measurement.
40" sounds like you are maybe checking leg height maybe? And maybe one leg is an 1/8" short?

For me I'd want perfect, so I'd swap that out if that is the case.

 

[Reeferguy365]

Like davocean said I would use a 3/4 inch ply top that's what I used on my stand and works great. By the way is Newell your last name? Only asking because that's my last name LOL

 

[ReefSlice]

I had this same problem with my 150 DIY stand as well as my concrete floors being out of whack in 10 directions... Kept me up at night for a week until I broke down and ordered a Framingtech stand with leveling feet. Good luck!