Tank Leveling...what's an acceptable range?

[reefitup]

We're placing (yes still) our 72 bow front and I've got a question...maybe you could help?

We had it in one spot and didn't like it so we drained it into rubbermaid containers and moved it. We really like where we moved it to. It goes across 4 joists on a 45 degree angle in the corner of the room and is visible from the living room and the kitchen YAY!

Problem is it's slightly unlevel. I've had a 250 bust a seam once so I'm really sensative about making sure it's level. This is the first time we've placed a tank that was more than 1/16th of an inch unlevel. I think because it's in the corner and basically goes against 2 walls, the floor slopes slightly higher towards the walls.

I measured it and it varies about 1/4" from back right corner to front left corner. What's an acceptable range? Yes, I know idealy it would be perfect... I'd like to get it down more but with it being bowfront (my first bow) I'm not sure if that's even worse on the front glass to be off since it bows...

Just thought maybe I could ask one of the saltier dogs around here on opinions. We're sitting here with rubbermaids trying to get this figured out tonight so the kids won't get into the water by the morning... UGH!

Do any of your tanks vary a little?


Thanks

 

[mikem]

I would place a few shimms under the stand every 6 inches or so. Without seing the way the stand is built, it would be better safe then sorry.

 

[reefitup]

It's a wooden stand made for a 72 bow. I think it's pretty standard, but then again, bow's are somewhat unique, so I understand where you're coming from

I think I have some 1/8" or 5/16'' styrofoam. I might see if that will help. It seems to lean slightly forward because each back corner is against a wall and the floor is slightly higher at the wall.

Grrrr.... Ready...Fire...Aim... yeah, I know :-[

 

[mikem]

Thats always a problem with the tank against the wall.
If your gonna use styro, I would shim it a little higher and let it settle and level itself out.

 

[reefitup]

I got scientific

I took some styrofoam and wrapped it with some vinyl that I use for lettering. Kind of making it encased in vinyl. I didn't want the weight to make the edges of the foam deteriorate or come apart over time. Kinda keeping it all wrapped together so the foam couldn't go anywhere and placed them every few inches around the lower spots and the front.

Looking better, but we're about 1/2 way filled now. We'll see when it's done.

I'm using a level on the top of the tank and double checking measurements vs. the plastic tank strips. Although those could be a little off I guess, the level at the top shouldn't lie

Fingers are crossed and I am tired!! LOL

 

[reefitup]

DEAD ON Accuracy. Now that's priceless at 1:30am

Foam shims wrapped in vinyl worked VERY well. I'm tickled with it, and it's over 4 rafters so I guess that means I can sleep comfortable tonight Sorta...

You'd think I never set up a tank before but I've never really had any problems when I lived down south. We were on a slab and everything was level. Come to NJ, oh sure... Land of hardwood floors and basements

 

[mikem]

Glad it worked for you.

 

[jazzsam]

DEAD ON Accuracy. Now that's priceless at 1:30am

Foam shims wrapped in vinyl worked VERY well. I'm tickled with it, and it's over 4 rafters so I guess that means I can sleep comfortable tonight Sorta...

You'd think I never set up a tank before but I've never really had any problems when I lived down south. We were on a slab and everything was level. Come to NJ, oh sure... Land of hardwood floors and basements

I know what you mean. I am from FL and I did not know why anyone would want a basement when I moved up here.