un-leveled stand.

[viodea]

I just setup my stand and it's not perfectly level. How off before I need to worry?
I have a 4'x2' stand. The right side is about 1/4" lower and the back is about 1/16" lower.

There are 2 concern that I have.
1. if I try to level it, I'm afraid I'll create pressure spot on the floor.
2. If I don't, the dual overflow that I have may not function correctly.

Do I have to level it?
If so, what is the safest way to do it? Wood shims? coins? plastic sheets?

thanks

Andy

[The Floodinator]

I would level it. Use shims and don't worry about a "pressure spot" on the floor.

[The Floodinator]

I have a gun safe on the ground floor, above the basement. It's about 3'X3' and weighs @700 lbs. That's a pretty small footprint for that much weight. I had to shim it and have never had a problem.

[viodea]

I'm thinking using 2 shims on the right corner to make it perfectly level first, then add 2 more on the middle of the stand.
I'll have a 40 gal sump below the tank, do I need to worry about the weight on the sump putting on the bottom of the stand? I'm hoping the 2 shims in the middle of the stand going to help it a little. The last thing I want is the bottom of the stand warped and cause the stand to twisted and lose it's strength.

[asm481]

Originally posted by viodea
The last thing I want is the bottom of the stand warped and cause the stand to twisted and lose it's strength.

What you have described in your first post will make a twisted stand and tank. Very Very bad. Shim the tank level and "rack" free. As you fill the tank recheck level as it fills. IME the level can change as weight changes. Once filled, fill in several spots with shim just till tight.

[The Floodinator]

You have to shim the stand at the corners. If you don't, like asm481 says, you will get a warped, twisted stand. I would never attempt to shim the tank alone. I think it would stress the glass like crazy.

[The Floodinator]

Forgot to ask, metal or wood stand?

[viodea]

Originally posted by asm481
What you have described in your first post will make a twisted stand and tank. Very Very bad. Shim the tank level and "rack" free. As you fill the tank recheck level as it fills. IME the level can change as weight changes. Once filled, fill in several spots with shim just till tight.

My stand is Oceanic tech series stand. I believe it's wood stand. There are 6 support columns. 4 on the corners and 2 in the middle.


so, I need 3 shims on the left back, right back, and right front corners. Then, fill the rest of the gap with a few more shims. I do have a problem with this solution though, the back and the right hand side of the stand is against the wall. I can place the stand a little bit away from the wall and cut shims first. Then move the stand toward the wall after everything is set and hope those shims still fits. Is it going to work?

[The Floodinator]

Every "support point" needs to be shimmed. I wouldn't worry about the 1/16th inch. Just level left to right and all should be fine.

[viodea]

cool. thanks again!!!

[viodea]

I just set the tank with about an inch of water on the stand.
It's not as off as I originally thought.
It's more like 1/8" lower on the right side and back side.
I think I'll leave it this way instead. What's your thought on this?

thanks

[asm481]

To me you have just described a twist. Very bad. Spend a little time now and get it level. It'll be there a long time make it right.

[viodea]

Maybe I didn't explain myself clear enough.

I did my measurement based on the lower black trim of the tank.
The water level is from the top of the black trim.
Left Rear - 8/16"
Left Front - 5/16"
Right Front - 9/16"
Right Rear - 12/16"

So, the difference between
LR and RR is 4/16" - sloop of the back side
LR and RF is 4/16" - sloop of the front side
LF and LR is 3/16" - sloop of the left side
RF and RR is 3/16" - sloop of the right side

Looks like the sloop are the same on the front side and back side. So are the sloop of the left and right side.

So, to me, it's more like a tilt than twist. Am I wrong?
I do understand it's still better to level it but I do worry about not shimming it correctly and create a twist.

[asm481]

LF to RR is 7/16. That is nearly one half inch. to me that is a huge difference. also that is where the twist is. That is stress to me. 1/4 inch from side to side. It wouldn't make me happy! At the level my 120 is running, with the difference you are showing I would see a water line coming out from the trim half way across the tank. Very annoying. I stand by my reccomendation. Shim and level it now. No shim LF, almost a full shim LR, 2 shims RR (opposite directions), full shim RF. Then fill in where you can.

[cdbias2]

Is your tank stand warped or is your floor unlevel? More often than not, it's your floor. If your floor is perfectly level, I wouldn't worry about the stand, The stand will straighten out and match your floor when your tank gets filled with water.

[Legacy2005]

I had the same issue with my tank. the floor in my apt is highly unlevel and by the time the water got to the top there was a 1/2 inch difference between the left and right side of the tank. so i took some cardboard i had laying around from a couple of boxs and slide them in under the stand. the stand is sitting lvl now and i trimmed the edges of cardboard that were sticking out, cant even tell now that there is anything under there.

[viodea]

The stand is not wrapped. It's the floor that's un-level.

[viodea]

Again. My measurement are based on the lower black trim. Please let me know if that is not a accurate way to measure it.

I guess it's better be safe than sorry.
I'll shim it this weekend.
How do I make it look less annoying with the gap between the floor and the base of the stand. The base is one piece.

Again, will I have problem with the sump putting on the base board of the stand? Will it bend and wrap/twist the stand?

thanks

[asm481]

The sump in the stand should be of no concern. Useing the bottom trim to level should be the way to go. It is what I use.
Now please don't take offense but think of this. If you are unwilling to get the stand level, are you going to take the time to keep the chemistry right in your tank? Down the road shimming the tank is nothing compared to the struggles you will have. Take it slow and get everything as good as you can. Many things will be out of your control. Control whatyou can ie. level the tank.

[gary faulkner]

How do I make it look less annoying with the gap between the floor and the base of the stand. The base is one piece.

Get a piece of shoe molding to go around the three viewable sides.

HTH

[viodea]

Originally posted by asm481
The sump in the stand should be of no concern. Useing the bottom trim to level should be the way to go. It is what I use.
Now please don't take offense but think of this. If you are unwilling to get the stand level, are you going to take the time to keep the chemistry right in your tank? Down the road shimming the tank is nothing compared to the struggles you will have. Take it slow and get everything as good as you can. Many things will be out of your control. Control whatyou can ie. level the tank.

I don't take it the wrong way. I understand what you guys are telling me and the reason for it. I just wasn't sure which was a more serious concern (un-level tank and shimmed without much support base). I want to make sure I understand all the pros and cons before I make my move.

Keeping the tank chemistry is my plan. Can I do it... I'll see

[meco65]

You can build a platform under the stand level that first than the tank and stand will be level to start with.

[viodea]

Good idea!!!! I'll think about that idea and see shimming or build a platform is a better solution for me.

[meco65]

A simple 2 x 4 frame with ¾ inch plywood to cover it would do great. Than you don’t have to worry about stress on the stand or tank.