A Nice stand and Canopy make a tank look so much better than cinder blocks and no top. I takes a tank and makes it a piece of furniture. Money well spent in my mind.
Silicone grease, "tune up" grease, or dielectric grease are all fish safe and should help. Make sure there is no strain on the fitting that cocks it out of plane. How old is the pump? Is the gasket OK? Is it an actual gasket or an o-ring?
