Fish tank off level

[Layne Conitz]

Hey guys and gals, I have a 120 gallon standard 4x2x2 tank and its leaning forward. Measurements are about a 1/4 inch more up front then the back. I do have a subfloor. Is it safe? Tank hasn't moved has been in the spot for months now. If it's not safe how can I fix it?

 

[Jamesrazel]

I had the same problem with mine. Unlevel tanks should be fixed. Best to shim the stand not the tank. I used composit shims from local hardware store

 

[Layne Conitz]

Is it bad? The tank itself hasn't shifted or anything and how do I shim the tank

 

[mscamp02]

I'm guessing your joists have slightly bowed which is causing your 1/4 in lean. but just at 120 gallons I would assume your safe. I have a 300 on my subfloor with 3 ft crawl space with no issues. Also a slight 1/4 difference from one side to the other due to the concrete bracing underneath but the wood can handle it and the glass has been fine.

 

[Layne Conitz]

Ok not too worried now. I have two kids and don't want it breaking or falling

 

[axs377]

I'd fix it, I just had a seam break on a tank that was less than a 1/2" off over an 8' span. Shim the stand the 15 minutes of effort is well worth not having to worry imo.

 

[mscamp02]

Yea if your are able to drain and shim I would definitely do so still. I think you'll be fine as is but why not make it perfect and that way you'll know 100% there won't be issues due to being off level

 

[Layne Conitz]

How do you shim?

 

[tlindsey]

How do you shim?

Go to hardware or home improvement store and go to lumber section ask someone you need shims, don't buy wood shims. Come home go to search bar on this forum type in how to shim aquarium stand, if not enough info there youtube how to shim aquarium stand.

 

[Oddball]

How do you shim?

All hardware stores carry wood wedges for shimming cabinetry. They're pretty cheap.

Are you sure it's the tank that's not level? If you're setting the system up on a carpeted floor you may be too close to the carpet edge tack strips. Move the tank another inch away from the wall and check its level.