is it really needed ? so i have a 140g tank with 3/4" foam between my stand and tank but im going to be moving and im curious if i need to keep it or can i toss it ? is there benefits to it ? i only used it as that the way the previous owner had it set up.....isnt it suppose to make the tank level itself out ? cuz if so it defintly didnt help lol ... the tank is 1/4" higher in the back then the front....
foam under a tank ?
- Thread starter rob1984
- Start date
Foam under the tank isn't necessarily supposed to level your tank, but rather it helps keep the tank from trying to twist. (if that makes sense) Wood over time will warp (twisting or bowing) especially when exposed to water. With a thousand pound or more tank full of water sitting on top of it chances of some warping are pretty high. When the stand moves slightly or if it isn't square or level to begin with it puts uneven pressure on the tank and stresses some joints and even the glass itself in amounts it wasn't designed to be stressed which can eventually lead to a busted tank. The foam puts a space between the tank and the stand and takes the stress instead of the tank by compacting more in the areas with more stress. I would personally keep it based on you tank not being level. Especially with that big of a tank. Hope I could help! Oh, and can you post some pics of your tank/stock?
so basically the foam acts like a spring or cushion between the stand, to with stand any movement or anything if anything does happen over time....maybe i'll keep it there then ....
But all stands are not purchased. A lot of the stands on here are DIY. When you're talking about a glass box sitting directly on top of a couple of 2x10's, it's not a bad idea to have foam in between. It's not like foam is super expensive anyway.
Foam is absolutely necessary on a tank without the "floating" bottom design. Most builders have been employing this style of bottom for the past decade.
I am 2 for 2 in 90 gallon tanks without floating bottoms cracking within one year without the foam between the tank and the stand. I freaking so hate to say this, and I pray that I am not "jinxing" myself, but I have not lost any of the three 135 gallon, 115 gallon tall or 70 gallon tank that I have with the non-floating bottom design.
The 70 G is sitting on the same stand as the 90 tall that broke, while the 115 G tall is sitting on the same stand as the regular 90 that broke!
TS keep the foam, or blame yourself when it breaks.
Check out this site to learn the value of the foam. (Voided warranty for failure to use foam!!!!!)
www.glasscages.com
I have been estatic with their tanks since learning the intricacies of floating bottom fish tanks vs. ones without floating bottoms.
This is in correct. if your stand begins to sag (i.e. putting torsional forces on the tank), foam isn't going to help. There is a big difference in "filling" a gap and providing support. Foam actually behaves just the opposite as described above. It will compress more where there is additional stress applied to specific points.
This^^^ The only times is could be useful is with acrylic tanks and glass tank with no trim. If your tank is glass and has the black plastic trim, you don't need it.
well the tank has foam under it right now, and i was curious if i should keep it when i move or if i should toss it ... but guess it cant really hurt to have it there eh ...
I was referring to non trimmed tanks. I just failed to say that in my post.
Sent from my EVO using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
Sent from my EVO using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
I use foam on the bottom, back, and 2 sides, not a leveler, but it helps maintain temp. It can save on heat cost, and slows the loss of heat in the event of a power outage. I also keep a sized sheet for the front of the tank at the ready to tape on, just in case.
During an outage air temp in my house can drop 30'F in a very short time, when the temp outside is below zero.
During an outage air temp in my house can drop 30'F in a very short time, when the temp outside is below zero.