Leveling a tank

[DOGMAI]

I just got a 120 with the dimensions of 48 x 24 x 24, and I was wondering how I go about leveling it when I set it up. The place it is going is not level and I know the tank needs to be.

Thanks,
Shane

 

[Eheim_Dave]

I'd suggest using shims under the stand. You can buy a package of window/door shims cheap at a hardware store.

 

[Anonymous]

I used wood shims and a level. Worked great. Oh, shim between the stand and the floor, NOT the tank between the stand. That reduces pressure on the glass' joints.
HTH,
~wings~

 

[DOGMAI]

Thought about doing that but the problem with shims is that they are usually wood, and over time wood breaks down especially if it gets wet. I don’t know about the rest of you but when I do a water change I tend to get the floor a little wet. Maybe there is some other material out there that can be used as a shim.

Thoughts?

Shane

 

[Anonymous]

If you shim it correctly, it won't be a problem. Cedar shakes (shims) are meant for the outside weather... pretty durable. I've had water on the floor many times... no problem.
All the best.
~wings~

 

[Anonymous]

Additionally, a shimmed stand will have a gap between itself and the floor so that air will circulate. This should be enough for the shims not to rot.

 

[flounderer]

They sell plastic shims used for leveling toilets at Home Depot. They are short and stubby but can probably do the job.

 

[kim]

Don't use a level.......put a couple of inches of water in the tank ! That will be much much easier to read.

kim

 

[flounderer]

They sell plastic shims used for leveling toilets at Home Depot. They are short and stubby but can probably do the job.

 

[Anonymous]

A couple of inches in an 120 gallon tank is alot of weight to struggle with to get shims under the stand.
Use a nice long level. Much more accurate than the ole' eyeball.

 

[utahsaltreefer]

As an alternative to a level if you don't have a 4' one, you can use some of your extra tubing and make a simple water level. That's how I've leveled my 6' tank after several moves. Works better with a helper too.

 

[cdeakle]

Don't use a level.......put a couple of inches of water in the tank ! That will be much much easier to read.

Use a level and then use water to check the water line as a secondary check.

 

[K9coral]

Make sure you use a level, then shim, then level, then put water in the tank (maybe 1/4 of the tank for weight) then level it again. If you do it without a level you are begging for trouble. BTW pennies and nickels work good as very small shims for small adjustments! Oh yeah, you dont need a 4ft level, you can use a 6" level if thats all you have it will just take a little more care to get it right.

 

[Fl_Seagull]

Home Depot also sells plastic shims for doors and windows if you're worried about the wood shims.

 

[Johnsteph10]

... and after all is said and done, put an inch or two of water in the tank and then recheck the level..you'd be surprised at just how much setting can happen!! drain the tank and repeat leveling if necessary

John