Is this the correct way to use shims to level a stand?

[ArashS1347]

Um no I would shim the cabinet not the plywood. Your first thoungh was right the plywood will bow over time with no support. But hey it looks

Yes I changed it and put the shims between the stand and wood, this time I just used 7 shims on the corners, looks leveled and fine.

Thank you very much

 

[ArashS1347]

Is it viable to eat the cost of the stand, or maybe list it for sale, and get a wider piece of furniture for it to sit on?

Here is my 20 gallon system, Its on carpet on a dresser that houses extra equipment and one of the cabinets I put a little fridge in to hold the cold storage foods and additives. And the other side houses my ATO tank.

I had no issues getting it level and no issues at all with leaning or moving, and it being 20 gallons, I’m still able to move the whole thing if I drop something behind the tank.

Granted I have more room to do that, but like I mentioned before. The peace of mind knowing it’s not moving on its own is very nice.

This is a UNS stand made specifically for this tank (UNS 60U). I thought it would be reassuring to buy the tank's own stand, but it's quite nerve-wracking. The tank sits on a mat (which comes with it) and fits exactly on the top of the stand. I wish I could change it, but it's a heavy stand and shipping it to a buyer isn't an option. Selling it locally would be highly unlikely, so I have to make do with it.

Your tank and setup look absolutely gorgeous!

Thank you very much

 

[ArashS1347]

Are you sure the stand itself is square?

Stand is 25x14.5

Thank you

 

[Waters]

Don't know if it is an option (probably isn't lol) but I always just put a tile pad in. Cut the carpet out and throw down some tile and transition strips. You can level the tile plus you don't have to worry about spillage. Obviously you have to be pretty sure you won't give up on the tank...or be prepared to put a bookshelf there after the tank is gone lol.

 

[GlassMunky]

Don't know if it is an option (probably isn't lol) but I always just put a tile pad in. Cut the carpet out and throw down some tile and transition strips. You can level the tile plus you don't have to worry about spillage. Obviously you have to be pretty sure you won't give up on the tank...or be prepared to put a bookshelf there after the tank is gone lol.

They rent an apartment so no it’s not possible lol

 

[Waters]

They rent an apartment so no it’s not possible lol

Yeah I figured

 

[Reefering1]

Stand is 25x14.5

Thank you

By square I mean true or plum. Looking at the front, measure diagonal from the lower left corner to upper right corner. That measurement should match the measurement from lower right to upper left corner. Then do the same measurement, looking at the side of stand- they should match

 

[FernBluffReef]

As mentioned the plywood is going to defect / bend and I doubt work all that great in the end.

Have you considered raising the platform a bit and by that I mean building a 2”x4” frame (on their sides) to set it on likely with a center post to put the piece of plywood on top of. That way there is structure and the 2x4s can also settle into the carpet once weight is inplace so once shimmed you don’t have to constantly adjust. You will need to shim and adjust shims as you add water but once there is should be fairly stable.

That is what I’d do anyway if I had no other options other than to place on carpeting

 

[Asm481]

You are on carpet. The stand has legs. With these two things in mind, the stand is built to hold the tank up with the legs on solid ground. Lose the plywood all together. Shim under the legs only until it is level. Fill the tank half way or so and check the level again. Smaller shims will compress the carpet sooner and allow the weight to be supported by the floor under the carpet.

 

[ArashS1347]

Don't know if it is an option (probably isn't lol) but I always just put a tile pad in. Cut the carpet out and throw down some tile and transition strips. You can level the tile plus you don't have to worry about spillage. Obviously you have to be pretty sure you won't give up on the tank...or be prepared to put a bookshelf there after the tank is gone lol.

Rent apartment so cutting the carpet is not an option for me.

Thank you

 

[ArashS1347]

They rent an apartment so no it’s not possible lol

Lol that's right

 

[ArashS1347]

By square I mean true or plum. Looking at the front, measure diagonal from the lower left corner to upper right corner. That measurement should match the measurement from lower right to upper left corner. Then do the same measurement, looking at the side of stand- they should match

Thank you, Got it

 

[ArashS1347]

As mentioned the plywood is going to defect / bend and I doubt work all that great in the end.

Have you considered raising the platform a bit and by that I mean building a 2”x4” frame (on their sides) to set it on likely with a center post to put the piece of plywood on top of. That way there is structure and the 2x4s can also settle into the carpet once weight is inplace so once shimmed you don’t have to constantly adjust. You will need to shim and adjust shims as you add water but once there is should be fairly stable.

That is what I’d do anyway if I had no other options other than to place on carpeting

That's a great idea.

Thank you very much

 

[ArashS1347]

You are on carpet. The stand has legs. With these two things in mind, the stand is built to hold the tank up with the legs on solid ground. Lose the plywood all together. Shim under the legs only until it is level. Fill the tank half way or so and check the level again. Smaller shims will compress the carpet sooner and allow the weight to be supported by the floor under the carpet.

Yes that's what I did finally.

Thank you very much