Uneven floor, new tank, leveling feet vs. shims advice?

[JoJosReef]

As an unpleasant surprise today, I found that the destination of my new tank has an uneven floor, which is surprising because the floor where my other office tank sits is nice and flat. Here, it rises in the middle of the tank.

Underneath the tank are 3 front-to-back 2x4s with screw-in leveling feet, one in each corner and one in the front and back middle:

My question is if it is better to use these leveling feet to level the stand and get the pressure off the middle, or if it is better to use shims.

I adjusted all the leveling feet to ensure that the top of the stand is level and that the front and sides of the stand are off the galvanized steel pan that it sits on.

(used a piece of paper sliding underneath the center leveling feet to ensure they are touching the tray.)

NOTE: the back middle of the stand is still touching the metal tray, but I don't think there is a lot of pressure on that point. The leveling feel are holding up the sides and everything feels sturdy enough.

BUT, once all that water, sand and rocks go in (~80gal worth), I just want to make sure everything is as safe as possible. Are these leveling feet adequate support? Or do I need to go with shims instead (or shims + leveling feet)?

@VintageReefer

Thanks!

 

[ryanjohn1]

The feet should be fine

 

[danreef55]

Personally, I would do both there is no downside.

 

[exnisstech]

Mine are on leveling feet, even my WB 330.7 which is 84x30x25"

 

[JoJosReef]

Mine are on leveling feet, even my WB 330.7 which is 84x30x25"

Good to know! Tank should be ready for water, then!... except for the plumbing...

 

[X-37B]

Either will work, imo. My RS 170 has feet and my 2 ext's are shimmed.

 

[Stang67]

I like the feet personally.

 

[VintageReefer]

Always can message Current and ask what they recommend. So you have it in writing…and since they provided the stand

 

[Poseidon03]

Either one would work. I'd personally go with the feet because it better guarantees an even load distribution. They also make sure you do not accidentally apply any force to the decorative board.

Btw, I love that drip tray idea! Tho most of my water would still end up outside of it, lol.

 

[JoJosReef]

Always can message Current and ask what they recommend. So you have it in writing…and since they provided the stand

I can check in with Dennis. He's not always the quickest to respond, depending on where he is/what he's up to. That said, I'm sure any warranty on my stand is no longer valid!

 

[VintageReefer]

I can check in with Dennis. He's not always the quickest to respond, depending on where he is/what he's up to. That said, I'm sure any warranty on my stand is no longer valid!

Hah! So true

Where did you find the drip tray?
Is that for a hvac unit?

 

[JoJosReef]

Hah! So true

Where did you find the drip tray?
Is that for a hvac unit?

company that makes them for oversized dog crates. They have them in a ton of sizes. Galvanized steel or stainless steel. I have one under my 40 as well. In the even of a sump overflow due to ATO, it can hold up to 4.77 gallons (minus space for the frame of the stand) before it overflows onto the carpet.

This one is for the 83 is 52.5"x33.13"x1" and can hold about 7.5gal water (minus space occupied by stand) before overflowing onto the carpet.

 

[VintageReefer]

company that makes them for oversized dog crates. They have them in a ton of sizes. Galvanized steel or stainless steel. I have one under my 40 as well. In the even of a sump overflow due to ATO, it can hold up to 4.77 gallons (minus space for the frame of the stand) before it overflows onto the carpet.

This one is for the 83 is 52.5"x33.13"x1" and can hold about 7.5gal water (minus space occupied by stand) before overflowing onto the carpet.

Do you have leak sensors yet ? I found a stand-alone system on Amazon and love it. Expandable! And many other modules! I put them in the drip trays for both my attic-mounted hvac systems, I put them behind toilets, under sinks, behind the washing machine, water heater, and inside my main tanks cabinet.

1/4” of water and I’m getting an instant alert on my phone no matter where I am. And they all can be labelled so unknown exactly where it’s coming from

 

[JoJosReef]

Do you have leak sensors yet ? I found a stand-alone system on Amazon and love it. Expandable! And many other modules! I put them in the drip trays for both my attic-mounted hvac systems, I put them behind toilets, under sinks, behind the washing machine, water heater, and inside my main tanks cabinet.

1/4” of water and I’m getting an instant alert on my phone no matter where I am. And they all can be labelled so unknown exactly where it’s coming from

Hydros leak sensor for once the Hydros is up and running. Plan on getting the controller all set up before transferring stock over.

 

[VintageReefer]

Thanks! Found one! I’d go plastic to avoid rust. And I like the black better for my home

 

[JoJosReef]

Thanks! Found one! I’d go plastic to avoid rust. And I like the black better for my home

I went with the galvanized steel because the tank is over thin carpet. Just thought the additional support of the steel might help with keeping it level. The pan is quite strong, although notably, the pan under the 40 is quite more rigid than the larger pan under the 83.

 

[KrisReef]

Good to know! Tank should be ready for water, then!... except for the plumbing...

If you have the luxury, fill the tank with tap water and let it show you what to expect. You are correct about the weight making it's impact on the set up and a test fill is almost free insurance, Unless the floor gives way and the whole thing tips over or accellerates to China.

 

[Uncle99]

We never use “feet” as they maintain the full load of the tank on a few small feet.

We like to spread the load over the entire bottom sitting flat on the floor.