Tank Stand?

[stacy]

I just started to setup a new 55 gallon. I haven't done anything yet just moved it to the room that it will be located. When I set the tank on the stand I noticed that the front corners of the tank are not sitting level on the stand. I took a closer look and it is just the last couple of inches on the front corners everywhere else seems to be fine. My questions is can I put some type of rubber mat or padding between the stand and the tank to level it out? I had a 10 gallon leak one time because I beleive that the stand it was on was not level.

 

[glazer]

stacy,
You really need to make sure the STAND is level instead of trying to fill the gap between the bottom of the tank and top of stand. You can buy shims at the hardware store, either made of wood or you get the fancy ones, hehe , that are made of plastic.
Make sure you have a level and shim the stand so that it is completely level side to side and front to back.
Then if you want you could place some rubber or foam on top of the stand before placing the tank on it although there really is no need to do so.
I will argue till death, this is the ONLY way to do it!

 

[stacy]

Thanks for the info. I'll try the shims. I was not happy as I picked up the stand from my LFS as an unfinishes stand. Spent most of the day yesterday staining and finishing to find that the front center is warped. I may just try sanding it level if the shims don't work.

 

[glenn]

Stacy,
What you are saying is the stand is bowed and not a flat top. If this is right I would take the stand back to the store and get a replacement. It is NOT a good idea to use it as it can cause the tank to stress and leak in time. It is not a good idea to use shims on the tank itself.Even if you sand it back flat, then after water is added and time has passed the bottom of the stand may sag and not support the tank in the rest of the areas.Either way the stand needs to be replaced.
VPWoodwork1

 

[glazer]

Stacy,
I'm with Glenn, I did not realize the stand itself was bowed/warped. I would definitely go back to wherever you got it from and tell them about this... and it's up to you but myself, I would insist on a replacement!

 

[stacy]

I took the stand back, but they don't have anymore in stock. I'll have to wait till friday to get a replacement. I tried to sand it to make it level, but just couldn't get it perfect. Oh well just have to wait till next weekend to setup my next tank.