plywood under tank

[mike C]

Hi All,

I just bought a 230 gallon tank and am wundering if I must put plywood and insulation foam between my tank and stand? Someone told me it could crack if I don't. I never did this with my 120 gal and it has been running for over 8 years.
Thanks again,
Mike

 

[jsodwi]

I would put down the wood and foam the foam levels out any of the inperfections if the stand is not exactly level and will prevent stress on the glass

 

[rallysman]

The only time I use foam is under an acrylic tank to make sure that the weight is distributed evenly.
If you have a level stand without imperfections you dont need it. I dont have foam under my glass 265 and it's fine.

 

[Potts050]

the real benefit of foam is to make sure the tank is dead nuts level

 

[milkman407]

Agreed with rally

 

[Oddball]

Never use a pad under a molded glass tank. If the thickness is of the pad is greater than the height of the molding (bottom edge to bottom glass face) you'll crack the bottom. The pads are only recommended for unframed glass tanks and acrylic tanks.

BTW, a full plywood stand is only needed for acrylic. Framed glass tanks are supported by the frame itself. For acrylic tanks, I use foam exercise mats instead of styrofoam. The exercise mats give greal leveling support, insulate, and you can get them in any color you wish.

 

[mike C]

So that means that Idon't need a piece of plywood under my tank either? My tank is glass with the plastic moulding and a steel welded stand. I will be keeping it in my basement, I am just scared that it will bust or something.

 

[rkc772]

i agree... glass tank doesn't need a plywood... but it can help (if that would make you feel better). the foam would be out of the question... only for acrylic. i don't have a big glass tank.. the biggest is a 10 gal and a 50 gal which i sold. the 50 gal was on the floor. no problem. the 10 gal was on an unused chopping table. it works fine. i think you're concern is the middle part if it would burst... if you put large rocks maybe if the weight is not distribute.. but if not. i honestly wouldn't worry. that's my opinion.

 

[Steve_89]

I have always used foam...(styrofoam) on all of my glass tanks..and I still do.

EVERYONE that I know here with a glass tank does the same...it takes out all imperfections in the stand...You would really want to make sure that your stand is dead 100% level if you arn't using foam..otherwise CRACK!!!

I also put plywood down.

 

[Steve_89]

Never use a pad under a molded glass tank. If the thickness is of the pad is greater than the height of the molding (bottom edge to bottom glass face) you'll crack the bottom. The pads are only recommended for unframed glass tanks and acrylic tanks..

I don't really understand Oddball.

Are the pads what you have pictured? Or does this apply for styrofoam aswell? Also what is a molded glass tank?