Need plywood under stand? (pics)

[dym]

I'm about to fill up my tank, but it has a tiny wobble especially if you hold it from the top. Can I go ahead and fill it up or does it need plywood under it?

 

[dym]

also can i just put it under without drilling it if needed

 

[mfinn]

If you are talking about the whole thing, tank and stand, with it sitting on carpet, you may always have that movement. But with water weight it may lessen.
I'd fill it up 1/2 to 3/4 of the way full with freshwater and see.

 

[JGT]

That rug will get nasty underneath from spills, splashing, leaks, etc. I’d put plywood which will be better. Much less absorbent.

 

[Fish Fan]

I'm about to fill up my tank, but it has a tiny wobble especially if you hold it from the top. Can I go ahead and fill it up or does it need plywood under it?

Dude, glad to see you got your stand finished, that looks much better with the corner supports

Having a tank on carpet isn't really the best idea, the carpet may cause the tank to sit unevenly, which would then be hard to shim level. And you'll want to be careful about any spills like when doing water changes that may hit the carpet, which may damage the carpet or the subfloor. I'd be most worried about the carpet surrounding the tank area, I think that's what will take the most spills, not directly under the tank.

That said, I already know that you're noting going to rip the carpet up

I wonder if there's some kind of mat that could go under the whole tank and even out as much as possible on both sides?

Either way, I'd add a piece of plywood inside the stand on the top of the bottom rail to act as a shelf for some gear, like your buckets and things.

 

[mfinn]

The reason I wouldn't put a piece of plywood under the stand is right now there is some movement with just the frame on the carpet.
I would think that a piece of plywood would make more surface area on the carpet and have more of a wobble.
IDK.

Defiantly put some plywood on top of the frame bottom to use as a shelf.

 

[BryanM]

I would seriously consider having someone remove the carpet from underneath the stand.

 

[FUNGI]

once its filled with water.....there will be no wobble caused by the carpet (unless its something on the actual floor causing it)...that carpet and the underlayment sponge will get squashed down.....

 

[FUNGI]

to test, I would put in the sand bag, the salt container and any other weighty items (couple of buckets with water, young children (LOL) etc) into the tank and see what happens to the wobble.........

 

[mcarroll]

Test fill it. Note what is out of level and by how much. Drain and move the tank and carpet. Shim under the carpet. Put back carpet, tank and water and it should be solid/level.

At least that's what I read somewhere. I have also shimmed on top of the carpet, but that's less optimal IMO since you can't see what may be obstructing you under the carpet. :)

 

[dym]

to test, I would put in the sand bag, the salt container and any other weighty items (couple of buckets with water, young children (LOL) etc) into the tank and see what happens to the wobble.........

i tried yesterday without the tank only the stand it had 3 ppl with a slight wobble but it got way less

 

[mfinn]

i tried yesterday without the tank only the stand it had 3 ppl with a slight wobble but it got way less

Give it a test fill.
Then pretend there are children ( not sure if you do) around. Is this what you would feel comfortable with.
Me, if it moves a tiny bit, I'm figuring out something else.

 

[Uncle99]

Wasn’t clear on what’s actually got the wobble, tank to stand top, or tank to stand on floor….

That’s a big tank. Lots of weight and long glass span.

Ideally, the tank to stand should fit flush with no wobble as these areas may experience more stress on the glass.

You can easily resolve that by putting in a levelling mat between the stand top and the bottom glass.

Take the time to make it right. It won’t be moving for quite a while and can not be easily rectified afterwards.

Carpet on the floor is fine for the whole unit. I’ve never had any issues with carpet other than keeping it clean and dry. Either is fine.