Acrylic tank glass base support

[ReefKeeperNYC]

Im wondering about a base for my ney made acrylic tank.

Im skeptical of putting any fosm underneath and im worried just plywood would not be a true flat bade support.

Is it possible or better to put the tank bade on a thin 1/8 vinyl mat which sits atop a 1/2 glass base which goes on a plywood base?

I just want to make sure it's a true flat base.

The tank is 60” x 18” x 12” tall. So roughly a 50 gal tank stretched over a 60 x 18” footprint.

Would the glass crack? Im thinking it shouldnt since there are rimless glass tanks. I just want peace of mind for an acrylic base.

Thanks!!

[tkeracer619]

A self leveling compound would be a better choice if you are concerned about the flatness of ply.

[JTL]

I wouldn't worry too much since acrylic is a lot more forgiving than glass providing they are small imperfections. Take something that you know is perfectly flat like a level and set it on the top. Check if there are any low spots or high spots be looking for light between the bottom of the level and the top of the stand. Sand down the high spots and fill the low spots with something like Water Putty from Lowes or HD.

[lapin]

You could use this and cut it to fit. 1-1/8 thick.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30280829/

A granite counter top would be perfectly flat but expensive.

[ReefKeeperNYC]

Originally Posted by lapin

You could use this and cut it to fit. 1-1/8 thick.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30280829/

A granite counter top would be perfectly flat but expensive.

Thanks everyone for the input!!!

@lapin i could just set this on top the woon stand i made?

Or the countertop should be put on plywood too?

yea granite would be sweet! but im diy'ing it for a reason =P

THANKS!

[ReefKeeperNYC]

Originally Posted by tkeracer619

A self leveling compound would be a better choice if you are concerned about the flatness of ply.

what do u recommend?

[ReefKeeperNYC]

Originally Posted by JTL

I wouldn't worry too much since acrylic is a lot more forgiving than glass providing they are small imperfections. Take something that you know is perfectly flat like a level and set it on the top. Check if there are any low spots or high spots be looking for light between the bottom of the level and the top of the stand. Sand down the high spots and fill the low spots with something like Water Putty from Lowes or HD.

awesome tip!!! Thanks!!

[Daddi0]

If you put the tank on a thick piece of glass, when the sunlight hits the edge of the glass, the glass will glow and it will look like your tank is floating - Cool!

[lapin]

Originally Posted by ReefKeeperNYC

Thanks everyone for the input!!!

@lapin i could just set this on top the woon stand i made?

Or the countertop should be put on plywood too?

yea granite would be sweet! but im diy'ing it for a reason =P

THANKS!

I would place the Ikea piece on the stand. If you see any large gaps (lets say over 1/8") between the stand and that piece, you should put some of those wood wedge shaped cabinet shims in those gaps. Small gaps no worries. No need for plywood. That Ikea stuff is pretty solid. If you need to level the whole thing, level the stand at the floor.

[ReefKeeperNYC]

Originally Posted by Daddi0

If you put the tank on a thick piece of glass, when the sunlight hits the edge of the glass, the glass will glow and it will look like your tank is floating - Cool!

I never thought of that! Thats pretty awesome!

[ReefKeeperNYC]

Originally Posted by lapin

I would place the Ikea piece on the stand. If you see any large gaps (lets say over 1/8") between the stand and that piece, you should put some of those wood wedge shaped cabinet shims in those gaps. Small gaps no worries. No need for plywood. That Ikea stuff is pretty solid. If you need to level the whole thing, level the stand at the floor.

Sweet! I think i found my base! 🙏🏼

[tkeracer619]

Do not shim between the tank and the stand.

[ReefKeeperNYC]

Originally Posted by tkeracer619

Do not shim between the tank and the stand.

I purchased the ikea 1 1/8' Counter top that the tank will sit on, and that will be connected to the tank stand with liquid nails so there wont be any chance of screws popping up or scraping the tank bottom.

Thanks!