tank no longer level - uh oh

[reef tank 2.0]

tanks been up and running for a year now. when I first started, the tank was level. I am not sure when things changed, but the tank is now leaning forward. I don't know why it caught my eye all of a sudden, but I now have a visible water line that has moved from t's previous level. the old water line residue is definitely higher than the water level is now.
I placed my level on it and the bubble definitely rides the right side (towards the back). t's still within the two lines of the level but it is definitely not centered.

I guess it's hard for anyone to say, but how long do I have before this tank's seams start leaking, or worse case, the tank completely falls apart?

I think the only way to correct the problem is to drain as much water as I can out, and pound a few more shims into place. hoping that raises the front a tad. I'd really like to leave the livestock in the tank. never had to do this before so I'm not sure exactly how to handle this situation. it'll be enough stress as it is on the livestock, but trying to chase each one down could be even worse.

the tank is sitting perpendicular to my joists. believe it is on two of them. tank is only 32" wide.

 

[KrisReef]

I never have worried about leveling up a leaner but I generally have acrylic tanks.

I wonder if the level is really that critical on a properly constructed tank?

 

[exnisstech]

I've pounded shims under the stand on 180g while filled. As far as the tank failing as long as it is on the stand correctly and the stand top is flat it is the stand out of level and not actually the tank. This has never caused a problem IME

 

[FUNGI]

you dont mention the flooring...carpet...wood...concrete? and is the stand plumb?

 

[reef tank 2.0]

Hard wood floors. Currently have composite shims under the tank which was used to make level at the start.

 

[reef tank 2.0]

This is definitely making me nervous. I feel like I'm against time right now. Hoping the glass seals won't leak due to the stress of it not being level. I have shims all the way across the front of the stand. I have tried adjusting anything yet, but I imagine every one of them will be tight due to the weight of the tank.

Jacking up the floor is not ideal, as my sump is literally right below the tank, in the basement. Everything would have to be shut down and relocated. Gotta figure out how to lift the front without emptying it completely.

I'm mixing salt now so I can do an early water change, to remove a lot of the tank water

 

[EricR]

Did you mention if this is a rimmed glass tank,,, or anything about the physical construction of the tank?
*not sure how relevant that is but just wondering

Personally, I'd worry more about if level continues to change over time more than just right now it seems VERY SLIGHTLY tilted (((assuming my interpretation is correct))).

My opinion only -- there's already a lot of outward force on tank panes -- a slight variance from perfectly level isn't hugely scary but continued change (over time) is.

 

[reef tank 2.0]

This is a rimless tank. I'll definitely keep an eye on the water level. I'll check again in the morning

 

[Gtinnel]

If the bubble in the level is closer to the line near the back of the tank it means the front of the tank is lower (like you said) but wouldn’t that cause the old water line to be lower than the current water level? Is the old water level higher than the current water level on the front of the tank? Are you sure that your water level in the tank hasn’t just dropped slightly due to your overflow (assuming you have one)? One of my tanks fluctuates a little.

Also if the tank is sitting flat on the stand even if it isn’t perfectly level it will likely be fine. I don’t think I have a tank in my house that is perfectly level.

 

[Gtinnel]

Also I’m pretty sure the pressure on the walls of a tank is based upon strictly on the height of the water, and with the tank being out of level the water level on the low side of the tank is only slightly higher and won’t make any significant difference on the pressure. A tank being flat is incredibly important, a tank being level isn’t as important IMO (within reason of course).

I personally think you’re worried over nothing.

 

[Tamberav]

My question would be.. why is it unlevel now?

Is the stand bowing?

Is the floor/house shifting?

Is it sinking?

Is it just the shims moved or something compressed?

Is it going to fall through the floor? :P

Why did the tank move!

Maybe figure that out too so you won’t be doing this again in the future.

 

[reef tank 2.0]

Put a level on the tank this morning. No change. I put a 1/4" shims under the level and it brought the bubble back to center.

You can see where the bubble currently resides as well as the water line residue where it was prior to noticing the change. This could have been happening over time, but i just noticed it

 

[Uncle99]

As long as that is not increasing, I’d do nothing at all.
There is some settlement after filling tanks.

Seams fail and glass fails are generally stand related rather than floor related.

It seems your tank is 80g, not overly big for normal house construction.

 

[Dom]

My question would be.. why is it unlevel now?

Is the stand bowing?

Is the floor/house shifting?

Is it sinking?

Is it just the shims moved or something compressed?

Is it going to fall through the floor? :p

Why did the tank move!

Maybe figure that out too so you won’t be doing this again in the future.

I agree with all of this.

The question is: Why did a level tank suddenly become "un-level"?

Hardwood floors are nice, but is there a basement below the floor? Also, a tank needs to be installed on a floor where the support beams of the floor are perpendicular to the tank, and not parallel.

It is important to figure out the "why" part of this issue.

If this is the result of inadequate support, leveling the tank without correcting the underlying cause will probably lead to you having to level the tank again and again.

 

[reef tank 2.0]

A year later though?

It could be the stand, but I'm certainly not seeing anything that raises a red flag

 

[Dom]

A year later though?

It could be the stand, but I'm certainly not seeing anything that raises a red flag

I still am not clear; is there a basement under the floor where the tank is or are you on a cement slab?

 

[reef tank 2.0]

I mentioned that in post #6, but ya, there is a basement where my sump resides, directly under the tank on the 1st floor

 

[Dom]

I mentioned that in post #6, but ya, there is a basement where my sump resides, directly under the tank on the 1st floor

Okay... now, are the beams perpendicular or parallel to the long side of the tank?

 

[reef tank 2.0]

that's mentioned in post #1 :D

the tank is setting perpendicular to the joists. the tank spans across 2 of the floor joists.

 

[Dom]

that's mentioned in post #1 :D

the tank is setting perpendicular to the joists. the tank spans across 2 of the floor joists.

I am not questioning how thoroughly you've provided information.

I would also suggest that you not over-react. You have an issue that needs to be corrected, but I've read nothing in the thread that suggests a catastrophic failure is imminent.