trying to level a tank?

[floridagar]

well im stuck in one of those dilemmas where you have to level your tank due to the fact that the people before me built this basement very stupid its all cement down here and i was wondering if anyone had any ideas of leveling it because on one side it has to be elevated about one inch off the floor : / (i know stupid right?) but anyways if you have any suggestions just let me know thanks

 

[ar0wan]

shims, ever seen them install windows or door frames?

elevate the stand on the low end to your 1" and level
from the inside of the stand set shims every foot or so
to distribute the weight of the tank.

see my sig for more information.

 

[bbortko]

Aren't all basements cement? Even if the basement is finished the walls and floor are concrete

 

[vfc]

I have a 6' tank on a stand that has 8 legs; set up in the basement. There are 7 different size shims (one leg on the floor). It is normal for a basement floor to slope to the side and back for water drainage.

I also have a 4' tank set up by one of the vertical floor support beams. The cement tappers all around the beam plus it has the normal L/R F/R general slope. That was a big pain getting that stand flat.

 

[dragonfish1ca]

I just did it on an 8 foot..... Used wood shims for doors and windows from home depot, Then plywood spacers to further level it, It was on concrete in the basement and they are all sloped to the drain
hope that helps

 

[Gervahlt]

You can shim it as was suggested above. If you do this, make sure to support it well enough and evenly enough that your stand won't break. I'd be particularly worried about this if the stand isn't hardwood, or well-framed.

You can also just put something under each corner and/or side of the stand. For instand, I have my 4' stands leveled by placing two of their feet up on 3/4" blocks, then using playing cards to completely level each corner.

If it's your house, you can pour a new spot for the tank using self-leveling concrete. It's not too hard, but it's more permanent than just leveling your stand.

You could also just build a level platform to be set on the concrete. You'd have to cut wood to fit the slope of the concrete, then place a piece of plywood on top of the frame so that it's completely level. If you do this, make sure the weight bears down on the frame, not just the plywood.

Additionally, you could buy leveling legs for your stand, or even get the gliders that self-level. Just make sure either of these are rated for the kind of weight your tank will put on them.

 

[pauly187]

what if you dont level the tank?
just curious........
my tanks off aswell
the water is more tords the front of the tank rather than back
but even from side to side if all that made sence
but its not off by much
maybe 1/4 of a inch off
the cross beem in the tank water hits the front of the tank cross beam first then slowly makes its way abck as i keep feeling up


sorry dont mean to take your thunder but in general what happens if you dont shim it?

 

[dragonfish1ca]

Ive had a front of a 230 tank break at the seam in the front corner...... back in the 80's but i would say that would have been why...... tank water level was a 1/2" higher in the front...... NEVER AGAIN...... I have torpedos, bullits and a 6 foot level i do now....... NEVER AGAIN