Placing Styrofoam under a tank

[Fulinn]

Hi,

I'm new and reading all I can on tank basics. I'm getting ready to purchase and set up my new 55 gal tank. I came across the following bit of advise that I have not seen anywhere else and wanted a second thought(s).

A website that sells aquariums requires ( for warrenty ) that 3/8" styrofoam must be placed under the aquarium.

Has anyone done this ? Do you know why it is being recommended ? Any thoughts on the matter greatly appreciated.

Thank You,
Bonnie

 

[Anonymous]

I used 3/4" styrofoam under my 300G.

The purpose of the styrofoam is the help the tank self level. You still need to level the tank, but the styrofoam just helps to get it to 100% level.

Louey

 

[Fulinn]

do you think a 55 gal tank would really need it ? I will take care to level the stand to the best of my ability.

bonnie

 

[Anonymous]

Considering that the cost of a 4X8 sheet of 3/4" styrofoam is like $6, I'd go ahead and do it.

I have a 75G that has been running for 6 years without styrofoam, so I guess that proves that it is not an absolute necessity.

I'd still do it if I were setting up a new tank.

Louey

 

[Anonymous]

Stylrofoam will definitely help if you left a screw/nail/broken glass here and there on top of the stand. It is not a remedy for poorly constructed stand, or dirty tank bottom.

 

[Meloco14]

Well, a 55 gallon tank, or any size tank for that matter, doesn't need it. But as Louey said, for the cost why not? It won't hurt anything. But as 7E said, it does not work miracles either. Make sure you have a proper, level stand first. Then you can add styrofoam to be extra safe. Now having said that, I have my 55 on my desk. The desk is an L shape that fits into a corner, one side has my computer and nanocube, the other has my 55. It is not a perfect stand, and I don't use foam, but it works. So you can see it is definitely not needed. But I wouldn't recommend this for anyone. I am still paranoid about finding the desk broken and the tank on the floor. Anyway for a few bucks why not be a little safer?

 

[Fulinn]

your are absolutely right. I have added foam to my list of need to get before the tank.

Course at lunch I stopped by a LFS and saw a great 75 gallon tank and so now thinking I may pay a little more and get it.

So either way it'll have some foam under it.

thanks for all the thoughtful reply's.

Bonnie

 

[ChrisRD]

I would go for the 75 gallon. The 18" front-to-back dimension (vs. 12" for the 55) is well worth the extra money IMO.

 

[Anonymous]

Styrofome is not necessary. I've never used it and do not plan on using it. Get the 75 the additional cost over a 55 is minor.

 

[Anonymous]

Go ahead and get a 120G while you're at it. I beleive it is 24" front to back. That's alot easier to aquascape than 12" or 18". Trust me.

Louey

 

[Fulinn]

I think so too. The cost for the package, which is the all glass aquarium, pine stand, top and light hood for the 55 vs 75 was like 30.00.

So they are going on sale in a week or so, so I'm going to wait to get the 30% off and then buy the 75 gallon !

off to figure out how much sand and live rock thats going to take !! <lol>

Bonnie

 

[Fulinn]

I know how much fun it is to spend my money for me, however.....
and any how, its not just the tank that's going to cost me money it all the stuff that goes INTO the tank !!

They did not have anything bigger than the 75 in stock, although I'm sure they'd order one for me. However, for my first tank (and not my last I'm sure) the 75 should be fine.

bonnie