stand leveling

[ken 429]

just got my "new" 265 gal. tank and have several options on where to put it.the misses would like me to put it in the garage,problem with that is the floor slopes 1 5/8" any ideas on how to properly level the stand?i am going to reinforce the stand as i have not much confidence in its current state.iam going to put a 2x4 in each corner and beef up the center braces also would it help to put a sheet on top of stand? heres some pics if they help.

 

[Original_MFKer]

Hmmm. I heard styrofoam works well, but definatly not for over 1.5". I think your only option is inside the house.

 

[hayden]

do you have a table saw? or a planer just cut a peict of wood the correct angle and slide it under so its level.

 

[Cross127]

Just put wood shims under the corner where it slopes off. I did this with my DIY 125 stand because one of my tiles is sunk because of a dip in the foundation. So my tank is off on one corner. Also why did you build your uprights with 1x4's? I would be a little scared of splintering. The stand looks amazing though, Good job. Also how come there are no center frames?

 

[cichlid savage]

I would just use some wood shims. You can getem at home depot or lowes cheap. I agrees you might wanna beef up that stand a bit.

 

[mjmc]

You could use a concrete patch to level the floor. That would seem the most stable solution. Shims would work, but I'd be worried they might move over time. Maybe not. I don't think a table saw or planer will help. It would be difficult to accurately cut a 8' wedge that is 1 5/8" at the tallest. A planer would be of no use.

 

[ken 429]

the stand came with tank although lfs stated it would hold no problem i dont trust it that is why im going to reinforce all vertical pieces.2x4s in each corner and im going to wrap all 1x4s with 3/4" plywood.wouldnt the shims need to run the length of tank so there is no gap between floor and stand?

 

[Lil_Stinker]

.....problem with that is the floor slopes 1 5/8 .....

Are you saying the floor slopes 1 5/8 within the tank area? or the floor from back to door???

 

[ken 429]

tank is 7 feet long standing in front of tank the left side is 1 5/8"lower the right

 

[Lil_Stinker]

If you run the tank the other way, is it different? my guess is you are running it the same direction as the driveway? garages slope to shed water. this slope is often about 1/4 inch per foot, which would be be an inch and 3/4 or so over you 7 foot tank...

If you must run the tank this way, one option is to frame an area the size of the stand & level the floor as suggested earlier. the bond to the floor needs to be considered.

if you run the tank the other way, the the slope will be less than 1/2 inch & shims under each front vertical support should work well. You may want to cut your own shims or have them made for you to the correct angle, as most wood shims you buy are too short (like a foot).... You could attach the shims to the base or leave them 'floating'.

If you leave the stand as is, and plan on using shims to level the stand, be sure to shim each of the 3 sets of vertical posts (the low ones) and use something to take up the slack between the tank & the stand; usually some sort of foam board/insulation. I am not sure the thickness you will need as I currently have nothing over a 55 & use 1/4 inch foam core to true the tank to the stand.

hope this helps.