Metal Shelving from Lowes

[xraycer]

If you are worrying about flex, you could always put styrofoam insulation under the aquarium.

People typically use styrofoam under tanks to fill in tiny gaps between the top of a stand and the base of the tank. The thinking is that it'll prevent pressure points and create uniformed pressure on all areas of the base. Manufacturers disagrees, and will void a tanks' warranty if they find out you've done this. However, in the scenario with the metal rack flexing or contorting, styrofoam/padding will not be of any benefit.....it'll make matters worse if anything.

 

[CarpCharacin]

People typically use styrofoam under tanks to fill in tiny gaps between the top of a stand and the base of the tank. The thinking is that it'll prevent pressure points and create uniformed pressure on all areas of the base. Manufacturers disagrees, and will void a tanks' warranty if they find out you've done this. However, in the scenario with the metal rack flexing or contorting, styrofoam/padding will not be of any benefit.....it'll make matters worse if anything.

yeah i don't trust the metal shelving. I think that building a stand is the best option. You are right that styrofoam might make things worse. I only use styrofoam on wood stands that have full support for the bottom of the tank. The floor is not perfectly level in the old house. I use shims to level the stand the best i can, but i still use styrofoam to fill the gaps between the top of the stand and the bottom of the tank like you said.