styrofoam between tank and stand (1 Viewer)

[KarenHorn]

How many of y'all use styrofoam or something similar between their tank and stand? We always have because our floor is not even and for that matter the stand isn't always perfectly level. If y'all do it what does everyone use?

 

[Guest]

I would think that over time the styrofoam would loose it's "thickness". If I were to use something, I would us somthing more solid.

 

[crvz]

my understanding is that you should use it on acrylic or glass tanks that have no molding around the bottom. but, for those glass tanks (such as most oceanic tanks) that have a molding, you should avoid using styrofoam because it will but undue stress on the glass.

 

[hobogato]

i use the blue insulating styrofoam that the sell at lowe's or HD. it is 1/2" thick.

 

[Guest]

my understanding is that you should use it on acrylic or glass tanks that have no molding around the bottom. but, for those glass tanks (such as most oceanic tanks) that have a molding, you should avoid using styrofoam because it will but undue stress on the glass.

That's correct. Oceanic actually sais on their site specifically NOT to put anything between the tank and stand surface.

That is though, you should shim the stand to be level, and the stand surface should be perfectly flat. Othwerwise you will get stress points on the glass=bad.

 

[DonaldL]

I also use the blue insulating styrofoam that the sell at lowe's or HD. I have it under my 180 and it has not lost any thickness even after adding water. the weight is distributed evenly.It has been up and running for a couple yrs. now.

 

[Andy]

Use metal ( stainless or good aluminum) or acrylic shims. Wood ones will deterorate after a few water spills & crumble away.