Self leveling mats/neoprene/egg crate

[Susan Edwards]

Can I/should I use a neoprene mat beneath my tank when we set it up onto the stand? Tank is an aqueon 125 gal with the plastic bracing around bottom. Saw on another thread someone say some tanks should not use it. If I need it, I need to order this week. If I don't, saves me some bucks.

Also, what about egg crate in the tank under the sand? Will it just become a detritus trap? Is it worth using anyway to protect bottom of tank? I know sand can also be blown off and reveal it.

 

[don_chuwish]

If your stand is nicely flat then no, you don't need any kind of mat. My 120G Aqueon (black trim) sits directly on the top.
I also vote no on the egg crate. A better option if you really want to cover the glass with something is ether ABS plastic or HDPE (Starboard). See the tail end of the latest BRS video on ULM tanks for a good example. I think it's a toss up about whether or not there is any added benefit - more of a personal preference.

 

[Susan Edwards]

Thanks, @don_chuwish I'll ck out that video. Been going through the 52 weeks series.