[djs2012]

I just moved and have re-setup my tank...but it appears as though the tank isn't perfectly level. It's a 75 gallon and i'm worried that this could cause pressure on the glass/seams and cause it to crack/leak...It's been setup for about a week and i haven't noticed any problems......

i've never noticed this in any of my tanks, so i'm not sure how level they need to be...attached is a picture from the side...there is a difference of about 1/4 inch between the front and back levels....

any input would be appreciated!!!

 

[Amphitrite]

Hi djs2012 and welcome to the forum.

If I were you, I wouldn't risk keeping it like that. I'm sure it must put extra strain on the glass at one end.

I always check mine with a spirit level before filling with water.

 

[Lupin]

Try reducing the water from your tank by about one-fourth. Place your tank water in buckets as you can still replace it back. Then try to lift the stand as much as you can(you'll need help of about 2-3 persons) or use the tool(the one you used to lift up the cars-companion needed when doing this) and paste some coins together with 'super glue'. Be sure to fit the stack of coins and if it's still not enough, paste another coin to the stack. I had to use 6 coins to level my stand. Be sure to use your spirit level when trying to figure if it is level or not.

Good luck.

 

[musho3210]

a carpenters leveler helps a lot, its more accurate than someone looking at the water level to see if it is correct

 

[djs2012]

thanks..i think i've resolved the problem, using some wood shims...this time i checked with a carpenter's level before filling it up, while filling it up, and afterwards! i'll wait a day or so to make sure it doesn't change (tank settles) before adding fish

 

[Lupin]

Er..You are better off with nickels. Wood shims will eventually split considering the weight of your tank.:quiet:

 

[djs2012]

Well the thing is, my stand isn't 4 legs...it's mostly touching the ground all the way around, except for an opening in the middle on the front (see picture)... i do have several shims (2 side by side, 1 pair on the left side, 1 pair on the right...and then a stack of them (making a rectangle in the middle to have some extra suppor in the middle where it doesn't touch the ground)...so the weight is more distributed.

it's on carpet, i really doubt they are going to crack...but im gonna continue to monitor with a spirit level every couple weeks....if it gets off level, i may try your coin method. however, i dont think this is such a good idea...with something that heavy, you want the weight to be a little more distributed, with some kind of gradient (like a shim)under the stand...say i put stack of coins under the corners in the front...those would be stress points, and i'd be more concerned about uneven distribution of the tank forces...

how big is the tank you use your coin method with? just curious!

Thanks for your input

 

[Lupin]

75 gallons also in my case. But the stand is far different from yours. Not the cabinet. Just a simple steel rack which can accommodate two 75-gallons tanks. I thought you were referring to the legs of the stand.

 

[djs2012]

75 gallons also in my case. But the stand is far different from yours. Not the cabinet. Just a simple steel rack which can accommodate two 75-gallons tanks. I thought you were referring to the legs of the stand.

ah ok! that makes sense...well i hope my method works out for me if not i'll be pretty upset, and wet! LOL.

 

[jones57742]

if it gets off level, i may try your coin method.

Please do not.

... however, i dont think this is such a good idea...with something that heavy, you want the weight to be a little more distributed, with some kind of gradient (like a shim)under the stand...say i put stack of coins under the corners in the front...those would be stress points, and i'd be more concerned about uneven distribution of the tank forces...

djs:
You "got her nailed" with your analysis.

TR

 

[djs2012]

djs:
You "got her nailed" with your analysis.

TR

Thanks...do you think the method i described should work for my setup?

 

[Lupin]

Ron, it's not 'her'.:blink: 'Him'! :lol:

 

[jones57742]

Ron, it's not 'her'.:blink: 'Him'! :lol:

Blue:
In "West Texas slang" the gender is correct. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Thanks...do you think the method i described should work for my setup?

Yes.
The equal distribution of weight is the correct method.
One additional item.
Please consider removing a significant quantity of water from your tank before starting.
Even with your method brief periods of significant stress will be exerted on the glass.

TR

 

[magic_marty]

i noticed in the picture of the tank it appears it has black silicone in the corners. Does all the large tanks have black silicone in the corners or is it just some manufactures use the black???