Styroform between tank and stand?

[chen]

How many here use put a layer of Styrofoam between their tanks and stand to help with leveling? I had used it on my previous 400 gal...floor wasn't that off but nevertheless put in between acrylic tank and stand which has plywood base.

I'm expecting a delivery of a 8x3x3 Acrylic tank tomorrow with a wood stand/top and purchased 1/2 rigid insulation form to use between the arcylic tank and stand.....not sure if its needed at all come to think of it!. I am going to be using the same insulation Styrofoam on the insides of my cabinets to reduce the noise from the sump and various equipment inside the cab since the new tank is going inside my living room where the TV is at the other end.

Just curious who else use the Styrofoam method in here?

 

[Pharaoh]

Lots of people utilize styrofoam in between their tanks when setting up acrylic tanks. It is used to prevent any small inconsistencies in damaging the tanks. Something like pinpoint pieces of debris under the tank.

 

[kallmond]

As i understand it, most people around say foam won't level the tank if the stand is unlevel.

 

[chen]

The stand would and should be perfectly level..it's new but my floor might be out over the span of 8ft apprx. 1/4" MAX if at that...similar to what Pharaoh mentioned I'd be move concern with any potential debris between tank and stand....hrm....

Also heard that Styrofoam may not necessary level tanks either...just wanted some feedbacks...

Thanks Guys.

 

[BMueller777]

I was just wondering about this myself... I'm going to be setting up a 90g tank soon and I don't want the tank resting on the stand... I want something in between the two... What kind of Styrofoam should be used? Preferably a kind that can be found at a HomeDepot or a Lowes...

Thanks

 

[Pharaoh]

Foam will not level the tank. Assuming that the stand is flat and level, you should just need to shim it a bit under the stand in order to correct any leveling issues.

People either use the pink/blue polystyrene or the just the plain old white styrofoam found at any hardware store like Lowes or Home Depot. I know Lowes has both types, I was just there yesterday.

 

[chen]

Yup, I'm using the pink poly from Home depot .....24" x 96" x 1/2"

 

[JakeH]

I though styro under the tank was just to keep the temp consistent. Leveling is a great idea! I would think the idea is to shave it down to make the tank level, though... I dont think it would level itself.

 

[BMueller777]

Nice. Thanks guys.

 

[Pharaoh]

I though styro under the tank was just to keep the temp consistent. Leveling is a great idea! I would think the idea is to shave it down to make the tank level, though... I dont think it would level itself.

Styrofoam is not a solution for leveling a tank. Ensuring that you have a properly flat and level stand is the goal. Shaving the foam down would be a lot of work and an overall waste of money compared to a $2 pack of shims.