Leveling a Waterbox 180.5 take 2...slightly unlevel and inconsistent levels

SaltwaterScoop

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The initial spot I wanted to put my Waterbox 180.5 turned out to be too unlevel for the provided leveling feet to compensate for so I decided to wait until we renovated another room to setup the tank. I actually ended up having the same issue with uneven flooring in the next room (the house slopes from front to back on the concrete slab).

A reef2reef user @tenurepro saved the day and suggested longer/sturdier leveling feet that fit the m6 screw slot (here they are if you are in the same boat).

After getting the tank in place and leveled using a 48" level (I was using 2 levels but was getting inconsistent readings), I finally created the aquascape and filled the tank with rock and sand. It took about 2 days to fill the tank.

I noticed the waterline is slightly higher on the right-side of the tank.
PXL_20220705_042943953-2.jpg


I also noticed the waterline near the overflow box was leaning slightly to the right.
1656994618108.png


Front to Back - Left Side - 24" level:
1656994717549.png

Front to Back - Right Side - 24" level:
1656994706543.png


Front - Left to Right - 48" level #1 - I think I leveled off this one and it caused my issue:
1656994784196.png

Front - Left to Right - 48" level #1 (flipped the level upside-down):
1656996044324.png

Front - Left to Right - 48" level #2 - I think this is most accurate :
1656994819451.png
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Front - Left to Right - 48" level #2 (flipped the level upside-down):
1656994893932.png

so it looks like my Stanley level was reading center when in reality it was off.

Here is the right side where the left side has the laser at the bottom. It looks to be 1/16"-3/32" off.
1656996599779.png

I took some measurements from the waterline with the pumps and everything turned off. I got the following:

Front Left - 2 and 4/16"
Back Left - 2 and 4/16"
Front Right - 2 and 3/16"
Back Right - 2 and 3/16" (maybe 2 and 7/32")

With everything running, I'm seeing a difference of about 1/16" to 1/8" from left to right.

Do you think I should worry about attempting to remedy this? It's driving me nuts since I waited almost a year to set this thing up because the floors were uneven in the other area. I know the tank sits on a foam pad so maybe it'll level more once it settles after a few more days?

If it needs to be fixed then I planned to buy some large Rubbermaid Brutes to store the water and then use some composite shims to try and lift the tank enough to adjust the leveling feet then remove the shims. I don't know if this would be possible because the tank weighs ~400 lbs, the rockwork is like 100 lbs, and the sand is another 80 lbs...the 20+ leveling feet are also the worst. I'm also afraid of doing this and making things worse / being unable to reach & retighten all the leveling feet.

Thanks!
 
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ReefRusty

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Nothing to worry about week level a little but not of you want it 100% level. Over 5ft that is abiut 3mm and the foam self leveler wont compress that much.

I know mine is abiit 1.5mm out and once you have water flow and the tank filled you don't even notice it at all.
 

Beau_B

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My 170.4/5 is off left to right by about an 1/8th. I spent hours trying to get it zero and gave up. Has been for 2yrs and not an issue. As ReefRusty said, with flow it doesn’t show.

Edit: I also don’t have all the feet under the center hitting perfectly and haven’t experienced any problems. As long as the perimeter and some of the others are down (supporting sump) I think it’s ok.
 

Fredrxn

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I had the same problems with my waterbox reef 130.4 tried leveling it for days after tank is up I get this for a level...also all of my feet are not down all the way understand
 

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SaltwaterScoop

SaltwaterScoop

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Nothing to worry about week level a little but not of you want it 100% level. Over 5ft that is abiut 3mm and the foam self leveler wont compress that much.

I know mine is abiit 1.5mm out and once you have water flow and the tank filled you don't even notice it at all.
Good to know! My return is strongest on the right side so it adds to the unevenness lol

My 170.4/5 is off left to right by about an 1/8th. I spent hours trying to get it zero and gave up. Has been for 2yrs and not an issue. As ReefRusty said, with flow it doesn’t show.

Edit: I also don’t have all the feet under the center hitting perfectly and haven’t experienced any problems. As long as the perimeter and some of the others are down (supporting sump) I think it’s ok.
That definitely makes me feel better

I had the same problems with my waterbox reef 130.4 tried leveling it for days after tank is up I get this for a level...also all of my feet are not down all the way understand
Your's is much more level than mine but the feet not all touching does give me a little more confidence.
 

Fredrxn

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Good to know! My return is strongest on the right side so it adds to the unevenness lol


That definitely makes me feel better


Your's is much more level than mine but the feet not all touching does give me a little more confidence.
I say ur good bro these tank are super strong I have pc of 3/4 inch ply wood under my stand...are u setting up on carpet?..there parts of my tank dose not even set on the stand..
 

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SaltwaterScoop

SaltwaterScoop

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I decided to try new levels (I inherited my old/damaged ones).

Would a 72" inch level over a 60" tank be more reliable?

Here's the new measurements:

72" Front Left to Front Right
1657060181313.png


72" Middle Left Middle Right
1657060221449.png


72" Back Left to Front Right (Diagonal)
1657060258727.png


72" Back Right to Front Left (Diagonal)
1657060304595.png


24" Back Left to Front Left
1657060433456.png


24" Back Right to Front Right
1657060400436.png


It looks like the Front Right corner needs to come up a bit and the front left should come down slightly. The back should be ok?
 

Fredrxn

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I decided to try new levels (I inherited my old/damaged ones).

Would a 72" inch level over a 60" tank be more reliable?

Here's the new measurements:

72" Front Left to Front Right
1657060181313.png


72" Middle Left Middle Right
1657060221449.png


72" Back Left to Front Right (Diagonal)
1657060258727.png


72" Back Right to Front Left (Diagonal)
1657060304595.png


24" Back Left to Front Left
1657060433456.png


24" Back Right to Front Right
1657060400436.png


It looks like the Front Right corner needs to come up a bit and the front left should come down slightly. The back should be ok?
Fill her up
 

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