Foam or rubber padding??

[Rodimus79]

I just got a 55 gallon tank and stand, and am nearly ready to setup a saltwater tank.. I heard that putting a layer of foam or rubber inbetween the tank and stand would help minimize any cracks in the glass. I tried finding something of the sort at Home Depot, but they didn't have anything. Could someone give me some info on what they've used in the past and where I might find it??
Thanks a lot!
Shawn

 

[DeathWish302]

I used some gasket cork material from Meijer. Try some Hardware stores in your area for sheets of cork. Cheap and is easier to remove than weatherstripping.

HTH,
DW302

 

[KenH]

You can use the thin styrofoam sheets sold at Home Depot for insulation. Comes in 4'x8' sheets.

--- Ken

 

[Nanook01]

I used 1 1/2 inch foam weather stripping on the stand between that and my 120g glass tank. It has adhesive on one side, is simple to use and cushions well.

nanook

 

[kaotica]

i understand the concept of filling gaps etc, but my question is this: does this REALLY help? I am setting up a 72G tank this week, and now would be the time to get the foam or what not, but i was also thinking... this tank full will weigh in teh 1300-1500# range, will a flimsy piece of foam really make a difference?

 

[McReef1]

Kaotica~

In theory, the more it weighs, the more important it is to keep the base of the tank flat.

Fact is, you will have problems at some time in the future if the tank is not sitting flat on the stand. Anything similar to foam that will compress to compensate for the variances in the "flatness" of the tank bottom or stand will eliminate the problem. This is a lot like using weatherstripping to fill a gap in a door jamb.

Good luck!

 

[LilBugger225]

I used the exact thing that Ken was talking about on my 75 gal acrylic tank. It has minimized bowing. Just look in the insulation section at home depot.

HTH

Erica