Leveling stand top

[AJTX]

How do I make sure that the plywood top on my stand is dead flat. I need to build a stand for an 8 feet long tank.

I read on some posts that people use self leveling mix but there were no responses on how well it holds up long term.

Any suggestions?

 

[AJTX]

It will be a rimless tank with no bottom trim

 

[Smite]

The frame of your stand is dead flush on top and you're just worried about some warpage in the plywood itself? Normally you just screw it down to your cross members in the stand. A rubber mat, insulated sheet or thick yoga mat will releave small imperfections. They weight of your 8' tank itself should take any small warp out of the plywood. As long as your actual frame of the stand is level to itself and the trim the 3/4" ply will conform to the weight of the tank and go flat.

 

[AJTX]

I have made sure the stand and the cross supports are flush. I bought sanded plywood and birch plywood from home depot and when I lay it on the stand I still see that the edges are a little higher. I was thinking of cutting out the edges and use the middle pieces.

I am going to try out some lumber yard plywood. I think they have better quality /grade plywood.

But still thinking what to do if that does not work.

Will a thick yoga mat help with the raised edges?

 

[MarshallB]

I have made sure the stand and the cross supports are flush. I bought sanded plywood and birch plywood from home depot and when I lay it on the stand I still see that the edges are a little higher. I was thinking of cutting out the edges and use the middle pieces.

I am going to try out some lumber yard plywood. I think they have better quality /grade plywood.

But still thinking what to do if that does not work.

Will a thick yoga mat help with the raised edges?

You most likely will not find an absolute flat piece of plywood. As others have said if the stand is flush then the weight of the tank will even out any imperfections in the plywood. Give it a good sanding. Peaks in the wood, especially where the screws go in should be a focus point. The peaks will create pressure points and are usually the point of failure.

If you haven't cut the piece yet, yes cut out the piece that looks the most even. Yoga mat will be fine and it doesn't need to be super thick.

 

[Smite]

I have made sure the stand and the cross supports are flush. I bought sanded plywood and birch plywood from home depot and when I lay it on the stand I still see that the edges are a little higher. I was thinking of cutting out the edges and use the middle pieces.

I am going to try out some lumber yard plywood. I think they have better quality /grade plywood.

But still thinking what to do if that does not work.

Will a thick yoga mat help with the raised edges?

Flatter the better for piece of mind but if you're 8' tank you're probably +- 3000 lbs wet. If your stand's top is flush that plywood will press flat under the weight. The mat will make up some small flaws or indents, it goes between the tank and the plywood and helps relieve small pressure points.

I was stressed on the same thing when i set up my 6' 180g but the stand maker assured me of the above. I checked it as I filled with a credit card between the mat and tank and all was good once I started putting water in it.

 

[AJTX]

Got it. I will sand and level as much as I can, add a mat. I will definitely use the credit card idea !!

It is a shallow tank so only about 110 gallons.

Will post more in case I still have issues

Thanks

 

[fishguy242]

hi,half inch pink foamboard insulation ,will settle to true level,almost a must under large tank :)

 

[Smite]

Got it. I will sand and level as much as I can, add a mat. I will definitely use the credit card idea !!

It is a shallow tank so only about 110 gallons.

Will post more in case I still have issues

Thanks

I'm a huge fan of shallow tanks. Post here if you start up a build thread and I'll keep an eye out for it

 

[Smite]

hi,half inch pink foamboard insulation ,will settle to true level,almost a must under large tank :)

true gotta plan for it with your trim though, and if you don't.......don't try to spray paint it :)

 

[AJTX]

hi,half inch pink foamboard insulation ,will settle to true level,almost a must under large tank :)

I have heard foam board causes the edges to compress more and cause stress on the centers panel. Not true? The tank is going to be built with the bottom pane inside the 4 sides and not with the 4 frames on top of the bottom. Will that make a difference whether foam can be used?

 

[AJTX]

true gotta plan for it with your trim though, and if you don't.......don't try to spray paint it :)

Sprayed it once and never again

 

[AJTX]

I'm a huge fan of shallow tanks. Post here if you start up a build thread and I'll keep an eye out for it

Building the stand first. Once done will build the tank on the stand. A buddy of mine gave me the 3 long pieces when he shut his store displays down. Also got a small piece from him for the side panels.

3/4" glass is crazy heavy and does not score and snap well. We tried that already, will try tile saw next.

If all goes well then silicone and test in garage for 3 months. Dont want 100 gallons on the floor inside the house.

Will be a while before I start the build and that is IF it holds water

 

[fishguy242]

I have heard foam board causes the edges to compress more and cause stress on the centers panel. Not true? The tank is going to be built with the bottom pane inside the 4 sides and not with the 4 frames on top of the bottom. Will that make a difference whether foam can be used?

actually not sure, ;) @Joe Glass Cages any thoughts??

 

[Smite]

Sprayed it once and never again

same!

 

[Joe Glass Cages]

actually not sure, ;) @Joe Glass Cages any thoughts??

for sure. many thoughts. I don't like spray paint either......

As for the pad. I haven't heard of this anomaly on a floating bottom tank construction. The entire bottom of the tank really should be supported evenly. Solid flat surface as shared above with an aquarium grade pad or 3/4" Styrofoam. Not only does the pad self level the tank on the solid surface, it also absorbs forces in the tank from the water movement.

Hope that helps.

 

[AJTX]

for sure. many thoughts. I don't like spray paint either......

As for the pad. I haven't heard of this anomaly on a floating bottom tank construction. The entire bottom of the tank really should be supported evenly. Solid flat surface as shared above with an aquarium grade pad or 3/4" Styrofoam. Not only does the pad self level the tank on the solid surface, it also absorbs forces in the tank from the water movement.

Hope that helps.

Thanks Joe, this will solve all my issues, I think

 

[AJTX]

Thanks Joe, this will solve all my issues, I think

Will a 1 inch be ok?

 

[fishguy242]

i think so,but norm 3/4 best,just my opinion :)

 

[AJTX]

i think so,but norm 3/4 best,just my opinion :)

The big box only carry 1/2 or 1. They stopped carrying 3/4. Will try the 1". Planning to try and build this weekend. All glass cut and ready. Will keep you posted. The waiting for 2 weeks for the silicone to dry will be the longest waiting part

Thanks a lot everyone for the responses!!