Stand build

Jamesfl · Nov 10, 2016

ok so I finished my stand and put the tank on it I have a 1/16 gap in center of tank on the front side between wood and tank and probably half that on the back side. As I understand it I cannot use foam to ensure level tank because it is not rimless. The 2x4's the top piece is screwed to is level according to my level. The tank is a 40B. Is this a common problem and the tank will be level after filling and settling or is there anything else I could try? Thank youin advance. I am attaching pics.

Bluefish9 · Nov 10, 2016

"They" say you shouldn't use foam on a rimmed tank but I don't subscribe to that.
I use it. Ive heard all the arguments but I haven't seen any real evidence to support it.

But if you dont want to, unscrew the top, add shims, and re-secure it.

Jamesfl · Nov 10, 2016

Ok thank you for the info. I figured if I used like a 1/8 foam under it that it would level it without touching or putting pressure on the bottom glass. I didn't even think of putting shims in.

Buford25 · Nov 10, 2016

It wouldnt hurt to use a thin layer of foam. It my opinion foam does not level the tank per say it will just fill in the imperfections (small gaps, screw/nail heads etc). When I use foam I still level the stand with shims if needed. Like I said though only my opinion and orthers may not think so.

Coastie Reefer · Nov 10, 2016

I had a piece of foam insulation under my 40B with absolutely zero issues.

Jamesfl · Nov 10, 2016

Thank you Coastie for the info.

Jamesfl · Nov 10, 2016

Buford25 said:
It wouldnt hurt to use a thin layer of foam. It my opinion foam does not level the tank per say it will just fill in the imperfections (small gaps, screw/nail heads etc). When I use foam I still level the stand with shims if needed. Like I said though only my opinion and orthers may not think so.

Thank you for the info. I am probably going to do a thin sheet of foam.

jsker · Nov 10, 2016

back out the screw and shim it up and re-screw the top.

Bluefish9 · Nov 10, 2016

I use high density poly foam. Its the stuff that they use in road/flight cases. I have a case company thats local but if you dont, you can prob order it online.

jsker · Nov 10, 2016

My thought on foam. Foam is really not a support, it is a filler and glass really has not give and over time the glass will become stressed and there will be a failure. Most 2 x4 still have a cup or a crown in them. My earlier suggestion my have been short but is the simplest fix. Unscrew the top, use a wood door shim and re screw the top on. Unless one has a jointer, one will really not ever get a true edge, and even with pine there will still be movement unless all side are finished.

Jamesfl · Nov 10, 2016

jsker said:
back out the screw and shim it up and re-screw the top.

I like this. Thank you. I have some shims so that should be easy.

jsker · Nov 10, 2016

Jamesfl said:
I like this. Thank you. I have some shims so that should be easy.

When you are doing this, use a flat edge or use the tank as a guide. Use a piece of paper and once you have tension with the paper and the tank bottom, pull the tank and screw the top and you should be golden.

Jamesfl · Nov 10, 2016

jsker said:
When you are doing this, use a flat edge or use the tank as a guide. Use a piece of paper and once you have tension with the paper and the tank bottom, pull the tank and screw the top and you should be golden.

Awesome thank you for the info. I would never have thought about using paper to check it.

Jamesfl · Nov 23, 2016

jsker said:
When you are doing this, use a flat edge or use the tank as a guide. Use a piece of paper and once you have tension with the paper and the tank bottom, pull the tank and screw the top and you should be golden.

Thank you for this. Worked like a charm. Now to finish plumbing after Thanksgiving and get it wet.