Options for Leveling Tank

[316Reef]

I picked up a 120 gallon tank (not rimless, has black frame) which i'm in the process of setting up. I have the tank in place and have a question on leveling before i get to the point of filling the tank.

Left to right the tank is perfectly level.
Left side front to back, back needs to be raised roughly 3/16"
Right side front to back, back needs to be raised roughly 3/8"

The tank is sitting completely flush on the plywood top (no gaps).

Given those measurements, would you suggest a mat of some sort between the tank and plywood top so self leveling once filled or shimming the stand? I was afraid shimming the stand would throw off the left to right levelness.

Tank is sitting on LVP covered concrete and a small 4x5 area rug.

Thanks!

 

[W31Olds]

I would get rid of the Rug and Shim the Tank at the floor. A self leveling Mat is not going to compensate for 3/16" and 3/8" out of level.

 

[malacoda]

Given those measurements, would you suggest a mat of some sort between the tank and plywood top so self leveling once filled or shimming the stand? I was afraid shimming the stand would throw off the left to right levelness.

Tank is sitting on LVP covered concrete and a small 4x5 area rug.

Thanks!

No. A mat won't work.

Leveling mats don't actually "level" a tank.

They only make sure that any tiny imperfections or slight waviness in the top surface of the stand won't create pressure points on the bottom pane of glass in rimless tanks. (Think of it like a cork compressing around your fingernail.)

They will serve ZERO purpose under a rimmed/framed tank.

IMHO, whoever started calling them "leveling mats" did nothing but create a boatload of confusion for people. Would've been much better if they started calling them "smoothing mats" since they essentially smooth out any small imperfections between the glass and stand top.

There are only two ways to actually level a tank — shims beneath the stand, or leveling feet.

On a rug, shims would be best.

It may take some playing with shims of different thickness, but you will eventually get it level.

If you get rid of the rug, leveling feet may work too ... depending your the construction/design of your stand. Just make sure you use enough of them and they are rated for the weight of the tank when filled.

 

[Jasonak]

Thats not that far out of level. What's your concern ? Other than maybe cosmetically the water line would look odd if the frame didnt cover it.

 

[316Reef]

I just figured before putting water in it, mid as well try to get it as close to level as possible.

I have an assortment of shims so looks like that's the solution.

 

[mfinn]

I have used shims in the past.

 

[mcarroll]

I picked up a 120 gallon tank (not rimless, has black frame) which i'm in the process of setting up. I have the tank in place and have a question on leveling before i get to the point of filling the tank.

Left to right the tank is perfectly level.
Left side front to back, back needs to be raised roughly 3/16"
Right side front to back, back needs to be raised roughly 3/8"

The tank is sitting completely flush on the plywood top (no gaps).

Given those measurements, would you suggest a mat of some sort between the tank and plywood top so self leveling once filled or shimming the stand? I was afraid shimming the stand would throw off the left to right levelness.

Tank is sitting on LVP covered concrete and a small 4x5 area rug.

Thanks!

You have to figure out what part isn't level and make a correction, if that is your goal.

IMO pull back the carpet and level the floor if needed.

If it's only the stand is out of level or unflat, fix or replace it. (Shimming is possible too, but why kludge when you can eliminate the defect?)

If it's only the tank, then IMO you may have nothing to worry about – assuming it was used, then it would have broken already if it was going to. (The imperfection might only be with how the trim sits on the tank. I had a smaller trimmed tank that the bottom was bowed up in the middle quite a bit. A few that are bowed out just a little. Didn't seem to matter since the tank inside the frame is still fully supported.)

 

[PacoPetty]

I would get rid of the Rug and Shim the Tank at the floor. A self leveling Mat is not going to compensate for 3/16" and 3/8" out of level.

I second this motion. Get rid of the rug and then shim it.

 

[frofan]

+1 for using shims. I also shimmed on top of the carpet without any issues. Just make sure you put enough down to e sure stability.