Best method to level a larger tank on carpet

[Micksfish]

Hey All,
I went through a few posts, but didn't see anything specific around the best method to level a larger tank on carpet. I am setting up a 6 foot 180 gallon tank. It is 6 inches off the wall so I am clearing the tack strips. However the back side of it is still laying a bit low. My question is this. Should I level is out with nothing in the tank? Or should I first get my rock scape in and start to fill with water to let it settle and then level it? Not really sure what the best answer is here so if anyone has any experience with this, please let me know!

Thanks,
Mick

 

[Webslinger]

Cut out the carpet, and level it with you subfloor.

 

[Micksfish]

Cut out the carpet, and level it with you subfloor.

its practically brand new and my wife would kill me if I did that. Gotta figure out how to make it work on carpet.

 

[Mical]

Plastic shims from a big box hardware store.

 

[jguerin88]

following

 

[Micksfish]

Plastic shims from a big box hardware store.

That is what I'm using. But did you do it when the tank was empty or had some water in it to weigh it down?

 

[GaryE]

I used wood shims. The kind you use to shim doors and windows. Just a few bucks at Lowe's.

I did it empty, but it wasn't quite right so adjusted when full. Just make sure the carpet side shim is stationary.

 

[Webslinger]

Ummmm you don’t plan on staying in the hobby? Either way the carpet is ruined.one spill and it will get under tank. I’ve had hundreds of spills

 

[AZMSGT]

Assuming the stand has leveling feet. Place it on 3/4” MDF. You can double theMDF and make it 1.5”. The reason for MDF is it won’t compress as much as plywood or most any other woods. Seal the MDF with a poly or epoxy. The only hardwood I would consider is Hard Maple Strips between the stand and the carpet. What ever you use let it compress before leveling.

Level it with say an inch or two of water in it. Use the water as your bubble level. Measuring from corner to water line.

 

[Webslinger]

And crush carpet. Do it right the first time That’s a big tank, your probably not going the want to remove it...haha..

 

[JoshH]

I would use a sheet of plywood under the stand and shim off of that. Good call on the plastic shims. However, it is not wrong that your brand new carpet will be 100% destroyed in a short amount of time underneath the tank itself. Most people in this situation do cut the carpet out and place tiles under where the tank will sit. This makes cleaning up easier and MUCH less destructive over time :) if there are any dirty water spills and the carpet and pad absorb them underneath the tank, you will have to deal with the eventual smells associated with it and there won't be any way to clean it up without draining the tank entirely.

 

[AndyinAtlanta]

Big box stores sell composite plastic shims, go with those over cedar (wood) shims. They are much easier to manage. Definitely level it when empty. If there's too much weight you can still level it but you'll definitely destroy the carpet in the process.

 

[Micksfish]

Thanks all for the input. I completely agree on the carpet. If I thought I could convince my other half to let me cut the hole in the carpet that is the route id go. However, knowing her, I don't think I'd ever get the okay. I think I'll have to go with plywood under it. I have extra carpet for when the time comes to replace the carpet under that tank.


Anyone have any good methods to convince your wife to let you cut a hole in your carpet? I'm all ears! Keep in mind, she never wanted this tank so I'm lucky to get it in the house in the first place :)

 

[JoshH]

Thanks all for the input. I completely agree on the carpet. If I thought I could convince my other half to let me cut the hole in the carpet that is the route id go. However, knowing her, I don't think I'd ever get the okay. I think I'll have to go with plywood under it. I have extra carpet for when the time comes to replace the carpet under that tank.


Anyone have any good methods to convince your wife to let you cut a hole in your carpet? I'm all ears! Keep in mind, she never wanted this tank so I'm lucky to get it in the house in the first place :)

Her never wanting the tank in the first place is certainly an issue for trying to convince her to cut a huge hole in the carpet lol

How about getting a nice sheet of finished plywood, cutting it about a foot orso bigger in every direction of the tank itself. Rounding or routering the edge and painting it a color similar to the carpet. I think overall this would do the least damage to the carpet, it would give you something to level off of and it would give you a surface you can clean up incase there are any spills instead of it falling onto the carpet.

 

[Webslinger]

Show her some nice tile flooring. Your fish room is going to stink with all that water change water absorbed into your carpet. Your going to have to replace the carpet anyways when you move tank. I would look for another location for your tank.

 

[piranhaman00]

I would never put a tank on carpet again, it’s not good, you will spill no matter how careful you are.

 

[X-37B]

My 120 is on carpet with plastic shims. It works just fine and is comepletly level.

 

[Webslinger]

I guess you can save time of water cleanup using a carpet. I would rather use towels.

 

[ScottB]

Yeah you are in a tough spot. You've heard all the concerns:
- short term getting leveled & keeping leveled
- long term inevitable trapped moisture related consequences

So, take your lumps up front or hear about it for a long time? Tough trade, but you know you should take your lumps up front. If you are a DIY type you can get it done (cut, tile, border) pretty cheaply. Color matching the tile is a nice idea.

We are rooting for you (both)!

 

[Webslinger]

Do it when she isn't home then go to a buddies for a few beers. ;)