To Styro or Not to Styro?

[Swiftwater]

Can someone please post a pic of the polystyrene they use? I think I'm using the wrong kind and I'm afraid it will do something to my tank.

One last question, does the polystyrene have to just be under the tank or around the tank as well?, Cause I did a half assed job on cutting the polystyrene and it covers more than just the tank.

 

[Pharaoh]

It doesn't matter if you overshot the sides of the tank. It will be fine.

Here is a pic of the polystyrene, I think. LOL

 

[SeverumSeeker]

I have used styro on all my tanks. From the smallest 55g to the largest 180g.
And it now resides under my new 300g.
I have never had a tank to fail. Weither it's because of the styro or not, I dont know.
But it's proven worthy so far, so I will keep using it untill it proves me wrong.
I also have never used the thin pink and blue styro from home improvement stores.
I always use 1" thick styro used for insulating Garage Doors and stuff.

 

[bbrtmad]

with an acrylic tank yes with a glass tank never. IMO

 

[Gr8KarmaSF]

bump!

 

[Pharaoh]

This turned out be a great discussion.

I think that we can come to a solid conclusion about now. It appears that whe dealing with glass tanks, foams serves only one purpose, to make you feel better.

In this assumption, I disinclude any association with acrylic on this thread.

Thanks to everyone for all the input.

 

[12 Volt Man]

I set up my new 150 gallon (72x18x29) without foam, for what its worth:

 

[vfc]

Foam is needed between the tank and stand to absorb high points and twisting. Even though a stand may be perfectly flat when the tank is first set up, over time, the wood in the stand and the floor joists compress and expand in a non-linear fashion. Obviously if you have a metal stand on a concrete floor, then you don't have the issue.

The selection of foam is most important. Most large glass tanks exert anywhere from 5 to 12 lbs/frame inch of pressure on the stand. You need to select a foam than compresses about 20% when the tank is filled and has the ability to rebound as the stand shifts over time. I do not use Styrofoam as it is too stiff and permanently compresses. I use close-cell exercise mats under my tanks. Look at foam selection as shocks on a car. When you install shocks and the car is lowered to the ground, the shocks compress about 25%. If the shocks are too stiff (no foam or Styrofoam) when you hit a pothole or a diagonal speed bump; you put your car frame under tremendous stress.

Pic#1 - Frame force calculation chart

Pic #2 Foam compression test set up.

Pic #3 Foam after test showing how styrfoam has permanent compression.

Pic #4 - 75G tank set up > 3 years ago. Stand was perfectly flat when first set up. After a year the tank sagged in middle but the mat is providing some support in the center.

Pic #5 - 3/4" blue foam that is sold by Toys R Us looks nicer than the black.

 

[Guapote]

Never have and probably never will. I prefer to fix things the "right" way.

 

[12 Volt Man]

check out this discussion and the relevant pics:

http://albertaaquatica.com/index.php?showtopic=16978