Shims under tank and leveling stand surface

[mphammer]

Wanting to get some suggestions on the best way to go about fixing my problem. My tank (rimmed) is currently sitting on a homemade stand with a surface that is damn near level. When the tank is sitting on it, there are a few 1/16" and 1/8" gaps along the bottom in various spots. I had wedged some shims in those places, snugly but not forcefully, and apparently that is a big no no. So I am trying to figure out my best option at this point. Saw dust is a no go so I cannot plane down the stand surface. These are the options I am considering:

Option A) Cut a sheet of 3/4 cabinet grade plywood and place that in between the stand and the tank. Definitely the simplest and quickest method, but I am worried the uneven spots would still be prevalent once the weight of the tank is applied to the plywood. Anybody have input on this?

Option B) Apply an epoxy resin/concrete/self leveling product to the surface of the stand. This seems like it would work well, I just do not know how long the entire process would take. Because my livestock will be in holding tanks, I am trying to avoid a long process like waiting a week for epoxy to cure.

Option C) Leave the shims.... Okay I know this is not an option. But sheesh I wish it was


Any other options I am missing would be more than welcome. I am all ears right now. Thanks everyone

 

[mphammer]

I should reword one part- the stand is perfectly level, just not perfectly flat if that makes sense


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[bzb]

Two ideas:

Option D) if the gaps aren't huge (and since you're saying shims, I'm imagining under 1/8" gaps) try using a thick yoga mat. Similar to the commercial "leveling mats" that are sold for tanks.

Option E) rigid insulation foam with a sheet of 1/2" ply on top to level everything - I recommend Baltic Birch panels which are pretty cheap at Suwanee Lumber. They come in 5x5ft sheets though, so take a circular saw with you if you need to slice some off to fit in your vehicle.

 

[jcook54]

I would go for option "A" but instead of plywood, I would double up a layer or two of shower pan lining. It's available at Home Dpor or Lowes and is basically a PVC sheet. I use it to fill in small gaps and even everything out.

Edit: Pretty much what bzb said.

 

[bzb]

^^ The PVC is a really solid idea, too.

Alternatively, if you're worried about moisture (I'm not, but it's not a bad idea) you can use a speaker coating (essentially truck bed liner) that waterproofs plywood. People tend to leave... cups... on subwoofers.

 

[Steve Burton]

I have one of these under my stand and between the stand and tank

Owens Corning FOAMULAR 1/2 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. R-3 Square Edge Rigid Foam Board Insulation Sheathing

Owens Corning FOAMULAR 1/2 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. R-3 Square Edge Rigid Foam Board Insulation Sheathing 36L - The Home Depot

FOAMULAR Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Rigid Foam Insulation offers a comprehensive product line of insulation boards in a wide choice of sizes, thicknesses and edges with a Lifetime Limited Warranty for

www.homedepot.com

 

[bluesy1213]

Two ideas:

Option D) if the gaps aren't huge (and since you're saying shims, I'm imagining under 1/8" gaps) try using a thick yoga mat. Similar to the commercial "leveling mats" that are sold for tanks.

Option E) rigid insulation foam with a sheet of 1/2" ply on top to level everything - I recommend Baltic Birch panels which are pretty cheap at Suwanee Lumber. They come in 5x5ft sheets though, so take a circular saw with you if you need to slice some off to fit in your vehicle.

Great place to buy wood from...highly recommend them.

 

[mphammer]

Thanks for the quick responses everybody, this community is great. I was really sweating this so this helps tremendously

 

[Jaycen B.]

I would put a sheet of plywood down and shim it so it is dead flat then put the tank on that. I would also use MDO plywood, they use it for exterior signs and such. It will not come apart if it gets wet.

 

[mphammer]

What a project. Never again.
Thanks again for the suggestions. I ended up using foam sandwiched between plywood.




Now I need to figure out how to straighten my back out

 

[Rickdareefa]

I see no problem with leveling wedges they're essentialy the same thing as leveling feet

 

[Rickdareefa]

I see no problem with leveling wedges they're essentialy the same thing as leveling feet

Hold on think i read too fast i wouldnt put them under the tank under the bottom of stand is good to go tho