Uneven Tile & Leveling a Waterbox REEF 180.5

[Arcane Corals]

I am having a difficult time leveling my new Waterbox REEF 180.5. The tile in my living room is not consistent/level and it was laid on a concrete foundation.

This is the back left of the tank:

This is the front right (it actually comes off the threading to reach the floor so I am trying to contact Waterbox to see if they have longer leveling feet):

I am having a difficult time leveling the stand because there are so many leveling feet. I had it fairly level until I assembled everything and the front right leveling feet were no longer touching the tile and in order to get them to, they would come out of the threading.

This is where I have the tank.

I considered doing a tiny piece of tile like 1x1 but it freaked me out if the tank ever fell off of it or something.

Any ideas on how to get the tank safely level? Thanks!

 

[Arcane Corals]

#MODS oops...I probably should've posted this in "Reef Aquarium Discussion"


(Thread has been moved by Moderator)

 

[kzenoni]

You shouldn’t have any issues using tile (or anything else solid) to shim the stand level. Once the tank is full it will not slip off of them.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Here's a thought.... I'm assuming the nut is there to lock the leveling leg in place. How about removing the nut in the back corner (not needed if it's screwed all the way in) and just have the leg threaded into the hole, all the way. That potentially gives you the length you need for the front right leg.

In addition, I can't see how a tank/stand full of water would slip off your little tile. That said, and not knowing the crush force of a small piece of tile with a point load, I'd have a tendency to use some other material....like wood, and maybe a bit larger than 1x1.

 

[Beau_B]

I have my similar size WB on a sloped area of an old wooden floor. Same principle; had to shim. It’s been that way for 18mo without issue.

As the others said, once filled there is no slipping. Do not use tile chunks though, they are too brittle. Wood or plastic shims are the most common. A larger piece can be used to go under multiple feet if there is an area that is low.

 

[Arcane Corals]

You shouldn’t have any issues using tile (or anything else solid) to shim the stand level. Once the tank is full it will not slip off of them.

I think I'm going to try composite shims.

Here's a thought.... I'm assuming the nut is there to lock the leveling leg in place. How about removing the nut in the back corner (not needed if it's screwed all the way in) and just have the leg threaded into the hole, all the way. That potentially gives you the length you need for the front right leg.

In addition, I can't see how a tank/stand full of water would slip off your little tile. That said, and not knowing the crush force of a small piece of tile with a point load, I'd have a tendency to use some other material....like wood, and maybe a bit larger than 1x1.

This is a great idea but my tile is super messed up apparently. I tried removing the nuts in the back area, but then I encountered a problem in the middle where I needed space but there wasn't enough space for a nut to tighten/lock the position.

I have my similar size WB on a sloped area of an old wooden floor. Same principle; had to shim. It’s been that way for 18mo without issue.

As the others said, once filled there is no slipping. Do not use tile chunks though, they are too brittle. Wood or plastic shims are the most common. A larger piece can be used to go under multiple feet if there is an area that is low.

I am going to grab some composite shims from Lowes tomorrow and start leveling with all feet screwed in with nuts, then level all 4 corners, and then insert shims as needed. I think I have to disassemble the stand to accomplish this though ;Facepalm.

 

[tenurepro]

perhaps this is a bit too late for you, but i had the same issue and i solved it by ordering longer m6 leveling feet -

have a look here for more details

 

[Arcane Corals]

perhaps this is a bit too late for you, but i had the same issue and i solved it by ordering longer m6 leveling feet -

have a look here for more details

I actually decided to move the tank out of my living room and into the dining room to create a dedicated fish room/bar. I am currently putting down new floors in the dining room and plan to build a bar around the tank. I haven't moved the tank yet so this is still really helpful, thank you! Would you mind sending me a link to the leveling feet you used? I was worried about replacing them and the replacements not being rated the the weight.

 

[tenurepro]

I actually decided to move the tank out of my living room and into the dining room to create a dedicated fish room/bar. I am currently putting down new floors in the dining room and plan to build a bar around the tank. I haven't moved the tank yet so this is still really helpful, thank you! Would you mind sending me a link to the leveling feet you used? I was worried about replacing them and the replacements not being rated the the weight.

Here they are. They seem more sturdy than the stock one which are essentially the cheapest option available. https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B0836NXGXT?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

 

[Kodock]

Here they are. They seem more sturdy than the stock one which are essentially the cheapest option available. https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B0836NXGXT?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Just fyi, I bought these leveling feet to try and they are Wayyyyyyy to tall. Risk of them breaking in half with all that weight on top and destroying everything.. not sure how you guys are using them.

 

[saltybeverage]

Just fyi, I bought these leveling feet to try and they are Wayyyyyyy to tall. Risk of them breaking in half with all that weight on top and destroying everything.. not sure how you guys are using them.

I cut mine with a band saw. But be careful because the metal shavings become little rust spots. Had to furiously clean it afterwards.

Also I didn’t get the ones that were posted above I got these.

https://www.zoro.com/s-w-manufacturing-leveling-mount-swivel-stud-m6-34in-base-mb-sw00/i/G4291357/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=surfaces&utm_campaign=shopping%20feed&utm_content=free%20google%20shopping%20clicks&campaignid=21447546855&productid=G4291357&v=&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADw3hZcdq_Q7w5vJGzb6BJUXmUMY_

They are a little tall so I took about a 1/3rd inch off each. They are such a breath of fresh air. I put my own felt on the bottom of them. Each foot is rated to 700lbs and they swivel so the feet will contour to your floor. These are what Waterbox should have included in the box… I bought some long thin style wrenches and I can continue to adjust the level even with water in the tank… I can’t tell you how much better I feel with these on the cabinet than the ones that come with it.

Just one of the many tweaks I did to the kit to make myself feel ok about filling it up with actual water.