Tank not leveled correctly

[sillysidewinder]

So here is a photo of my water level. you can see that the tank is leaning towards the front.

What is the best way to do level my stand? Is there a way other than taking the whole tank off to put some shims in...? I figure I could just empty out like half the water and get a friend to help me tilt it backwards in order to fit some shims in there... IDK it all just sounds risky, I thought I'd ask before doing anything.

 

[125reefer]

semms like a small enough tank that you could either pick up and have someone put shims under for you or get a 2x4 and put something like a 6 in block on the floor and lift it slowly and put shims under

 

[Dre]

Take all the water out first. And btw when did you notice this?

 

[Dre]

semms like a small enough tank that you could either pick up and have someone put shims under for you or get a 2x4 and put something like a 6 in block on the floor and lift it slowly and put shims under

Never lift or try to lift a tank with water in it. OMG !

 

[sillysidewinder]

Ok. I will take all water out. Thanks for the help. I am probably just going to put a 2" x 8" 1/8" piece of ply wood underneath the front end. If it's not enough then I will either layer another piece of 1/8" or just get a 1/4" piece the same size.

 

[JonnyJ]

Dre is right, i wouldn't lift it without emptying most if not all of the water out. shimming the stand would be your best bet.

I just got done with my build and had to shim my tank and use styrofoam to get it level.

All tanks need to be leveled. Especially Rimless tanks. They need to be on stands that have a skinned top. meaning a platform for the tank to sit on not just edges - along with Styrofoam [some tanks like the deep blue do not need styrofoam but glass cages/ other custom companies will not warranty without it.

 

[Dre]

Ok. I will take all water out. Thanks for the help. I am probably just going to put a 2" x 8" 1/8" piece of ply wood underneath the front end. If it's not enough then I will either layer another piece of 1/8" or just get a 1/4" piece the same size.

How about using a level as well ?

 

[Mr.maska]

leveling is goodness levels help with goodness.

 

[createdlight]

Yeah just wait until you do your next water change, maybe like 50%, then use a flat bar and pry the back up just alittle at a time,working both left and right, using shims to take up the gap. Be sure to shim under all key points. Use a level also check, from back to front and left to right

 

[jaa1456]

The best shims would be some large washers from home depot, You can put them in the back corners of the stand, Never try to shim just the tank always shim the stand. Buy several different thickness's of washers, I wouldn't use the wooden shims, they will only warp and under the weight of the tank will soon be unlevel again. I shim all my tanks with washers, Had my 265 leveled with them for 12 years and that is much more weight than your tank.

 

[createdlight]

The box stores do have plastic shim, they dont rot

 

[sillysidewinder]

jaa1456 large washers definitely sound like an easy/good way to do it. I feel like I won't have to lift the tank nearly as high that way. I am going to:
1. empty out 80% of water in my tank.
2. take all lights, heater, filter off to get out of the way.
3. leave tank on the stand with a pillow in between the tank and the wall so it doesn't lean and crack against the wall.
4. Have my buddy slowly lift the tank just barely enough to slide the washers underneath the front right and front left corners.
5. Take level readings, and adjust accordingly.

The shims are going to go on the ground under the front side of the stand, seeing as the water is directed down towards the front. I really should have caught this sooner... Tanks been setup for a few weeks now.

 

[125reefer]

hmmm i have lifted my 125 with no ill effects using a lift system with 2x4 and a block when 1 of my legs on tank started to buckle and needed to be fixed.that tank looks like a 30 gallon.a small lift like 1 inch wont damage anything.but hey if taking out water makes him more comfortable then go for it

 

[sillysidewinder]

So I just wrapped 4 quarters together with tape and put 4 quarters under both the right and left corners of the frontside. This seemed to level off my tank just right. Here is a pic.

 

[beerfish]

Careful when using quarters... you may end up broke one day and next thing you know, you're eating a burrito and the tank isn't level anymore. lol

 

[nminunni]

washers and quarters. both good ideas. i know what I am doing when I get home.

Also, I have lifted my 20g rocks, water and all and moved it before. the tank is 30 years old (not used the whole time) and its no worse for the wear.

 

[CHEMCHEF]

hmmm i have lifted my 125 with no ill effects using a lift system with 2x4 and a block when 1 of my legs on tank started to buckle and needed to be fixed.that tank looks like a 30 gallon.a small lift like 1 inch wont damage anything.but hey if taking out water makes him more comfortable then go for it

You lucked out.
This is a BAD idea. You could easily blow out a panel from the shifting weight of the water & flexing of the tank. NJMO,

 

[jrobbins]

just watch out for your floor. quarters/washers/etc will oxidize and ruin whatever they are resting on. I know because i did it myself and left nice green stains from pennies all over my old apartment.

 

[createdlight]

In no time at all those quarters will be deflated, and your tank will be unlevel ungain! lol! Gold the way to go! lol

 

[createdlight]

here's what you should have used

The big box store sell them