Foam under tanks

[grouper therapy]

With all of the problems of lately that some are having with tanks I wanted to explain some things about leveling tanks. Putting foam under a tank whether it has a rim or not will not level the tank or make it flat. It will compress some what and help with some of the small irregularities that might be on the surface that a flat bottom tank sits on. In some cases it fills the gap between the two giving the illusion that a miracle flattening has occurred. It has not! If foam had that ability it would be used under the walls and floor framing of every structure built.

 

[fish scales2]

In fact foam can amplify the issue. The volume of water on the low side is greater than the high side thus the weight is greater and will compress the foam on the low side just a little more than the high side.

Would you agree?

 

[grouper therapy]

Fish Scales2;622015 wrote: In fact foam can amplify the issue. The volume of water on the low side is greater than the high side thus the weight is greater and will compress the foam on the low side just a little more than the high side.

Would you agree?

It very well could! Who is to say that the foam would evenly compress if the weight happen to be the same.

Edit: I think there is a place for foam but not for trying to fix another problem.

 

[grouper therapy]

I think you are dead on with putting it between the stand and the floor being a NONO.I see where when used on an already flat surface between the tank and the surface that it could help to cushion and act as a shock absorber some what. Like I said maybe some small bumps may be eliminated.

 

[jef4y]

A bad stand surface is a bad stand surface. No two ways around it. I learned my lesson... Granite is flat... =)

 

[grouper therapy]

Barbara;622139 wrote: I have always wondered if there is a benefit to putting it on the top of the stand between the tank bottom and the stand though? I've never done it before, but am considering it for my next tank. Is there a benefit to having that "cushion" there between the tank and stand?

I see no benefit from placing it under a rim tank. The only advantage on a flat bottom is the cushion may keep undo stress when you place rocks on the bottom. It may absorb a little shock if something is dropped

 

[misu]

I have foam under my rimless, Chris made me do it