Unlevel 240 Gallon

[RonBurgundy]

I need some input as to properly level this tank. The short time it was set up, it was off by 1/2 inch to the left and 1/2 inch front to back. A friend of mine said not to worry as this was an acrylic tank and "should not be an issue" The tank has been dry in my garage and it's time to reinstall. Read below and you will know exactly why I'm nevous

Two weeks before Thanksgiving I set up a brand new acrylic 240. On Thanksgiving morning a flexline in my master bath burst and flooded 3/4 of the house. After 2 months of reconstruction on the home, (and $30,000.00)..thank god for insurance I'm back in the home and ready to get the tanks back up and running. I rent this house from a family member and if there is a disaster from the tank it's on my dime. Not sure insurance company will cover water damage from a tank.

 

[johnny potatoes]

I had the same thing happen in a house I renred a few years ago, no fun at all. Anyway glad you're back in the house. As far as leveling the tank I would use LOAD bearing shims, they are plastic and available at Ganahl Lumber. There are sveral locations around socal orange county anyway. I'm sure other lumber stores have them.

 

[RonBurgundy]

I had the same thing happen in a house I renred a few years ago, no fun at all. Anyway glad you're back in the house. As far as leveling the tank I would use LOAD bearing shims, they are plastic and available at Ganahl Lumber. There are sveral locations around socal orange county anyway. I'm sure other lumber stores have them.

Thanks Johhny....I have a Ganahl lumber right down the street. Thanks again.

 

[Toby_H]

It is very possible to cause more harm than good when attempting to level a tank. A few key details need to be noted...

Being "out of level" is absolutely zero risk to a tank. The risk comes from torque pressures being applied. Torque would be created when the panes are being bent.

A pane that is flat (no bending pressure) but is at a slight angle (unlevel) is under no torque and is under no threat of breaking.

It is completely possible for a tank to appear "level" but the bottom pane to be under torque...

The critical key is to ensure the tank sit flat on it's stand... and there is no torque on the tank...

Also note, glass is much more prone to breakage under torque pressure than acrylic... though that is not to suggest acrylic cannot break under torque (it just takes more).

 

[RonBurgundy]

It is very possible to cause more harm than good when attempting to level a tank. A few key details need to be noted...

Being "out of level" is absolutely zero risk to a tank. The risk comes from torque pressures being applied. Torque would be created when the panes are being bent.

A pane that is flat (no bending pressure) but is at a slight angle (unlevel) is under no torque and is under no threat of breaking.

It is completely possible for a tank to appear "level" but the bottom pane to be under torque...

The critical key is to ensure the tank sit flat on it's stand... and there is no torque on the tank...

Also note, glass is much more prone to breakage under torque pressure than acrylic... though that is not to suggest acrylic cannot break under torque (it just takes more).

Thanks for the input. I think I might be over thinking my challenge. You said the same thing my friend said as to make sure the tank is flush with the stand. My challenge is the room the tank is going back into, there is a very slight slope and the water level when full is not even at both ends of the tank. It's noticeable and bothers me. Unfortunatley, this is the only room I can get this tank into other than the garage. In your opinion, utilizing load bearing shims, this could be bigger risk? I am not sure why?

 

[bhappy]

You may want to use some plywood then some type of foam board so the tank is fully supported on top of the stand! And if have to have it level?(cause the water level looks odd to you) shim the bottom of the stand?

 

[Morledzep]

if it bothers you shim the stand, NOT the tank. since the tank is acrylic, make sure the entire bottom of the tank is supported. i've heard of using those foam insulating pads under acrylic tanks, but i don't believe they are necessary. might be something to think about though (if nothing else it's more insulation which is never bad).

good luck.. we all expect pics when it's up and running and fully stocked!!

 

[pshtex]

i agree only worry about leveling the stand and if the stand i level the tank will be level

 

[Toby_H]

Thanks for the input. I think I might be over thinking my challenge. You said the same thing my friend said as to make sure the tank is flush with the stand. My challenge is the room the tank is going back into, there is a very slight slope and the water level when full is not even at both ends of the tank. It's noticeable and bothers me. Unfortunatley, this is the only room I can get this tank into other than the garage. In your opinion, utilizing load bearing shims, this could be bigger risk? I am not sure why?

I personally tend to get a bit anal with termonology. So instead of saying "flush" I say "flat"...

If the tank to stand interface is not "flat" there may be reason for concern. For example, with the tank/stand interface is concave or convex (bowed) this will cause torque on the bottom pane. Also if three corners are flat to each other but the forth corner is not, this will cause (a lot of) torque.

But it seems you understand this line of thinking...


But all that aside, if you are unhappy with the appearance when the water line is not level, you may want to level the tank.

My best suggestion in this case would be to set up the stand with no tank (or at least an empty tank) and put a long level (4' works for me) on the stand (or tank). then shim the ends as necessary to make the tank level.

IMPORTANT: before adding water, you will want to add many shims along the length of the stand. If only the ends are shimmed, this will allow the middle to sag/bow. Also, be careful as you add shims along the length. Do not push to hard as you put them in place or then can cause an upward bow.

To simplify that, the tank needs to sit flat on the stand and the stand needs to sit flat on the ground. Shimming is an option, but while shimming do not compromise the 'flat'

 

[johnny potatoes]

i agree only worry about leveling the stand and if the stand i level the tank will be level

This is what I meant about leveling the stand not the tank. I thought that went without saying.