Easy Way to Level off Tank Stand

[itrebebag99]

This probably isn't a new idea, but here's a method I used to ensure by aquarium's bottom trim was making even, and perfect contact everywhere:
I applied epoxy where the tank would be sitting, and then covered it in plastic. I set the tank down on top of the plastic, so the soft epoxy would take its perfect shape, and let the epoxy set up.

 

[Drstrangelove]

Providing more specific information as to the types and thicknesses would be very useful, imo.

Conceptually, this sounds like using self leveling cement (which I have used on floors) and would have the same general advantages and disadvantages.

 

[itrebebag99]

Then stand wasn't terribly uneven, but there was several places, (Including along the corners) where I could slide a piece of paper through. I just went to the hardware store and picked up a tube of 2-ton epoxy. I then just traced the outline of the tank's trim on the tank stand, and applied the epoxy on the area where I outlined. I covered the soft epoxy with regular saran wrap, and set the stank on top, ensuring the a perfect mold of the bottom of the tank would be taken. This is probably not the best method, but hey, it worked for me.

 

[markstrimaran]

Hey nice big head.
I had a similar issue, I built a perfectly flat steel top with 1" x .13 square tube. Then shimed the steel to adjust for the 1/2" gap.
The old wood 2x4 stand is in a unfinished rouph basement. With a unravel floor.

 

[Drstrangelove]

Interesting idea. Much more interesting than I thought at first. Thanks for the OP and the reply.

 

[Wolfen]

i have an 180 gallon tank and the floor is not level. floor is about 1/2 inch lower in the front.

my stand legs are about 3 inches wide and most of the shims i found are about 1 inch wide.
i thought of using 2 shims per leg but i feel its dangerous

so where can i find a shim thats 1/2" inch thick and wider that 3 inches ?

 

[itrebebag99]

i have an 180 gallon tank and the floor is not level. floor is about 1/2 inch lower in the front.

my stand legs are about 3 inches wide and most of the shims i found are about 1 inch wide.
i thought of using 2 shims per leg but i feel its dangerous

so where can i find a shim thats 1/2" inch thick and wider that 3 inches ?

My floor has more of a 3/4" difference, and I just used a piece of plywood to make up the difference. Then I used smaller shims in all the open spaces to completely eliminate any wiggling on the lumpy concrete floor. Probably not ideal, but it's not as if the stand is going anywhere.

 

[davemal]

i just use a sheet of polystyrene

 

[TwoHedWlf]

Then stand wasn't terribly uneven, but there was several places, (Including along the corners) where I could slide a piece of paper through. I just went to the hardware store and picked up a tube of 2-ton epoxy. I then just traced the outline of the tank's trim on the tank stand, and applied the epoxy on the area where I outlined. I covered the soft epoxy with regular saran wrap, and set the stank on top, ensuring the a perfect mold of the bottom of the tank would be taken. This is probably not the best method, but hey, it worked for me.

Everyone I know just uses a sheet of polystyrene or similar. Some people have had good results with sleeping mats or even towels.

 

[itrebebag99]

Everyone I know just uses a sheet of polystyrene or similar. Some people have had good results with sleeping mats or even towels.

I may be wrong, but I have heard that adding that kind of cushioning is only reccommended for frameless aquariums; I thing aquariums with frames need to be set on a solid surface.