Tank Leveling

[SirTerek]

Ok so I see a few posts in here about tank leveling but they are all different size tanks. And as tank size does matter I figured I’d add mine to the list not only for myself but anyone else with a similar tank size.

I have a 48 gallon (182liter) 90cmx45cmx45cm tank. Attached are the photos of the current state of level. It is slightly off. I know even a small amount off can cause extra stress on the tank and tank stand. I’ve also seen research that as long as the water level is within an 1/8th of an inch up to possibly 1/4 of an inch it’s nothing to really be concerned with. It’s when it hits 1/4 of an inch that it needs to be corrected.

As this is my first tank larger than 30 liters I would like to check with the experts and more experienced aquarists here. Obviously full level is best. But if it’s extremely difficult to attain how true is the previous statement? How much leeway do we really have?

I moved my level around in multiple locations and the readings were always the same front/back and side/side. Once there is water and sand weight added I will continue to take readings at each quarter fill and go from there. But if the level stays the same what is the real risk of tank or stand failure? My stand is rated for 300kg and the tank shouldn’t weigh anymore than 200kg with water and sand.

I apologize for the metric measurements. I’m not in the U.S. and that’s what everything here is measured in. And as an American I do feel it just makes more sense anyways lol.

 

[SirTerek]

 

[Üter]

I'm guessing you are off front to back and not side to side. so 36"x18" I don't think you will encounter an issue there. unless it's a Red Sea tank. you could just wedge some plastic shims under the front of the stand to tweak that easily. thats easy and not much $ to do. the other issue is your floor. its not old where weight would sag? the water alone is ~400 lbs.

 

[Subsea]

Looks level to me. Happy Reefing.

 

[SirTerek]

I'm guessing you are off front to back and not side to side. so 36"x18" I don't think you will encounter an issue there. unless it's a Red Sea tank. you could just wedge some plastic shims under the front of the stand to tweak that easily. thats easy and not much $ to do. the other issue is your floor. its not old where weight would sag? the water alone is ~400 lbs.

Side to side is the closest to perfect level. The front is roughly 1/8” lower than the back. The floor is concrete in a seven story apartment building. This building was made to withstand hurricanes (typhoons here) and I’ve cleared the weight with the building owner already. So it should be good as far as I know. I do already have plastic shims just in case it ends up changing level when I fill it. But I honestly doubt it will move.

 

[SirTerek]

Looks level to me. Happy Reefing.

Thank you for the input! It’s really appreciated.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Enjoy your tank!

 

[Freenow54]

TO me not a concern

 

[SirTerek]

Enjoy your tank!

I will for sure. Thank you.

 

[SirTerek]

TO me not a concern

Sounds good. I’m still going to constantly check the levels as I add weight. But it seems like I’m well within the safe margin of error.