styrofoam layer under tanks

[esoxlucius]

Is it absolutely essential to put a sheet of polystyrene (or any other insulation / protection) between a glass tank and the stand? I understand a protective sheet can protect the glass from protruding screw heads etc and that a "spongy" layer can help protect the tank if its not perfectly level. But if the tank is lying on a perfectly level stand (with a sheet of ply on top, no protruding nails or screws) and the floor is perfectly level, and it's in a room where temperatures remain stable why would a sheet of styrofoam still be needed?

 

[Binge]

Its not I do not have styro under any glass tanks. I think its required for acrylic but not glass

 

[esoxlucius]

Its not I do not have styro under any glass tanks. I think its required for acrylic but not glass

I thought not. So far so good. A secondary part to that question, rather than paint the bottom of the tank black is it acceptable to paint the plywood sheet underneath instead. Same effect yeah, or am i missing something?

 

[Binge]

Eh I am a substrate kinda guy never painted the bottom of a tank. Just to check your tank has the frame around the glass right? I beleive they call it a floating bottom. if it is just bare glass you may need that foam.

 

[esoxlucius]

Eh I am a substrate kinda guy never painted the bottom of a tank. Just to check your tank has the frame around the glass right? I beleive they call it a floating bottom. if it is just bare glass you may need that foam.

The bottom of the tank will be resting on top of the ply. I have minimal substrate, i'm even contemplating a bare bottom but unsure yet. If i don't paint the bottom of the tank or the plywood then the unpainted ply would show through the bottom of the tank.

 

[Yuki Rihwa]

*If you have a standard glass tank with frame/brace around the tank then you don't use that foam.
*If you have a rimless tank that don't have any kind of frame/brace around the tank then yes you can use that foam.

 

[jwh]

On a rimless glass tank you should use polystyrene, your stand will deform once the tank is filled and with time, the polystyrene absorbs any high points that may be formed and could cause your tank to crack

 

[Warborg]

Using foam voids warranties from many tank makers(not sure for rimless tanks). It would be highly advisable to call the company and ask before doing it.

 

[DN328]

Based on my understanding and my own experience:

If you have a glass tank with the (black) plastic top / bottom brace (some with plastic cross braces) then Styrofoam is not advised as the plastic needs a firmer surface to rest on.

If you have "rimless" (even with Eurobrace and Crossbrace) styrofoam is advised/required. I was recommended the 1/2" as it provides the best amount of "crush" vs. something thinner or thicker.

I think the idea is having styrofoam minimizes the risk of hard surfaces warping and pressures added to the braceless tanks. It was a few bucks at HD, rather than doubting my tank builder.

 

[pops]

*If you have a standard glass tank with frame/brace around the tank then you don't use that foam.
*If you have a rimless tank that don't have any kind of frame/brace around the tank then yes you can use that foam.

first part of this is 100% correct, in allot of cases putting foam under a new rimmed tank will void the warranty. If you have a none rimmed tank, esp glass then having foam or cardboard underlay is a very good ideal and depending on stand and sub-straight that the tank is sitting on, this absorbs any little bumps that may cause a pressure point on the glass.