Tank Leveling

[KPH]

Hello everyone!

Last March I got a Red Sea Reefer 350. Got it as level as i could using compressed towels and such (I had no idea how to level it since it has those little nail in feet and didn't want to risk breaking those with the shims). Even with all the water and equipment and rocks and sand and everything it remained pretty level. Fast forward to today. Where I live we have layered clay under the whole region and it shifts...often. Basically every house in the central region of our state has foundation problems (eventually) because of this. I've noticed that the house has shifted a little and now my tank is no longer level. When i break out the level and put it on the glass of the tank, it's within that "second line" which i've been told is the acceptable range for leveling tanks. Don't know if thats some BS or not but that's what i was told. My issue is it's not just leaning to one side, it's one side and then the front. So the front right corner has water about an inch from the top of the glass, back right corner is about an inch and a half. I didn't know Red Sea tanks had such a disastrous reputation until several months after i bought mine. So i was already worried about it blowing a seam and now i'm downright paranoid. I guess it's possible the tank holds and is totally fine for years? I've read in other threads that most do not recommend trying to level an established tank, even with draining the water and everything, you risk breaking something or cracking the tank.

All that being said. What are my options?

Thanks in advance!

 

[KPH]

I guess my biggest fear and unknown are the little feet on the red sea tanks. These aren't the leveling feet the bigger tanks have, they're basically glorified thumb tacks you nail into the stand. I didn't want to not put them on and risk damaging the stand if that's how it was designed. I have no problem draining the tank long enough to level it. I just don't know how to with those little feet on there.

 

[Dburr1014]

Hello everyone!

Last March I got a Red Sea Reefer 350. Got it as level as i could using compressed towels and such (I had no idea how to level it since it has those little nail in feet and didn't want to risk breaking those with the shims). Even with all the water and equipment and rocks and sand and everything it remained pretty level. Fast forward to today. Where I live we have layered clay under the whole region and it shifts...often. Basically every house in the central region of our state has foundation problems (eventually) because of this. I've noticed that the house has shifted a little and now my tank is no longer level. When i break out the level and put it on the glass of the tank, it's within that "second line" which i've been told is the acceptable range for leveling tanks. Don't know if thats some BS or not but that's what i was told. My issue is it's not just leaning to one side, it's one side and then the front. So the front right corner has water about an inch from the top of the glass, back right corner is about an inch and a half. I didn't know Red Sea tanks had such a disastrous reputation until several months after i bought mine. So i was already worried about it blowing a seam and now i'm downright paranoid. I guess it's possible the tank holds and is totally fine for years? I've read in other threads that most do not recommend trying to level an established tank, even with draining the water and everything, you risk breaking something or cracking the tank.

All that being said. What are my options?

Thanks in advance!

Oh, so there's a chance and can/will get worse.

Personally, I would drain and get the feet that can go up and down. Just a turn of a screw. This way you can always adjust as needed.

https://www.grainger.com/product/LEVEL-IT-Leveling-Mount-Swiveling-Stud-14H392

 

[CoralB]

I agree with Dburr1014 as it’s already by your own account moved or shifted in a short period of time . If you can put your rock and tank water in a large container ie: clean trash can , with a powerhead and heater , get help to pick up the tank while you fix with new feet and or level the stand . Then I would also consider putting 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch styrofoam or a self leveling Matt under the tank when you put the tank back . Adjustable legs that you can tune when the earth moves is a good idea no matter where you live . Make sure when you install them that they are secure to handle the weight and if you need to reinforce the stand to do so (hopefully not in visual sight )I would do so . You might also consider adding more adjustable legs to distribute the weight better . Pain in the butt but hopefully will give you piece of mind and a way to adjust and level as needed in the future. Good luck !!!

 

[TL1]

I leveled my RS350 using composite shims. They can easily be snapped to small square pieces. I did this three times as I moved that tank twice - no problems.

 

[Dburr1014]

I leveled my RS350 using composite shims. They can easily be snapped to small square pieces. I did this three times as I moved that tank twice - no problems.

The problem with that is what if the clay under his house moves again? I would hate to have to re-level the tank every 6 months.

 

[KPH]

I leveled my RS350 using composite shims. They can easily be snapped to small square pieces. I did this three times as I moved that tank twice - no problems.

what about the little feet that come with the tank? Did you use shims under those feet or directly on the stand frame?

 

[KPH]

Oh, so there's a chance and can/will get worse.

Personally, I would drain and get the feet that can go up and down. Just a turn of a screw. This way you can always adjust as needed.

https://www.grainger.com/product/LEVEL-IT-Leveling-Mount-Swiveling-Stud-14H392

I would love to do this. Unfortunately I don't have many people available to help me and these tanks/stands are super heavy. Self leveling mat may be something i can do but i don't think i could swing changing out the feet on this.

 

[TL1]

what about the little feet that come with the tank? Did you use shims under those feet or directly on the stand frame?

Under the little feet. Regarding the settling, there's not much I could help with.

 

[KPH]

Under the little feet. Regarding the settling, there's not much I could help with.

Did you hammer or knock the shims in or did you have to lift the tank? I don't want to bend or break those feet

 

[TL1]

Did you hammer or knock the shims in or did you have to lift the tank? I don't want to bend or break those feet

I lifted the tank while empty and lightly tapped them in under the feet as needed. If you do not lift it, you are likely to knock the little feet off, I've had one or two come off from transporting the tank.

 

[KPH]

I lifted the tank while empty and lightly tapped them in under the feet as needed. If you do not lift it, you are likely to knock the little feet off, I've had one or two come off from transporting the tank.

Ok. That makes sense. I think i'll drain the tank as much as i can, move what corals i have and fish, etc. I saw a video where a guy used air shims. Got four of them to lift his 525xl. Blew them up to get the clearances he need to add the composite shims. I'll try this at some point soon. This whole thing terrifies me. lol.

 

[TL1]

Ok. That makes sense. I think i'll drain the tank as much as i can, move what corals i have and fish, etc. I saw a video where a guy used air shims. Got four of them to lift his 525xl. Blew them up to get the clearances he need to add the composite shims. I'll try this at some point soon. This whole thing terrifies me. lol.

Best of luck!