Do I need styrofoam under my 200G Glass Tank? - Aquarium Advice

Legacy · 02-21-2006, 04:54 PM

Hi,

I have a 200G Glass Tank (84x24x24) and I wanted to know if it was important for me to put a sheet of styrofoam in between the tank and the stand. The tank is made of 1/2" glass. If I do need to put the foam under the tank, how thick should it be?

Thanks,
Dave

Andyvette · 02-21-2006, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Legacy

Hi,

I have a 200G Glass Tank (84x24x24) and I wanted to know if it was important for me to put a sheet of styrofoam in between the tank and the stand. The tank is made of 1/2" glass. If I do need to put the foam under the tank, how thick should it be?

Thanks,
Dave

I would definately put styrofoam (polystrene) under any tank over 20 gallons. Remember that when all is said and done, a 200 gallon system weighs about 2000 pounds!!! Not to mention, weight will never be distributed evenly. That is always important when you look at the stress the glass takes, as well as the stand.
So, bottom line- Yes.... why not?

Rondory · 02-21-2006, 06:02 PM

This is one more thing that I didn't know!!! I haven't filled my tank yet with water or gravel. When I look thru the bottom of my tank I can see into the stand...gulp! DO I need to do something with my setup? LOL
I guess I never thought about this before so thanks for bringing it up.

Sorry for the thread hijack

bapski · 02-21-2006, 06:07 PM

omG... havent heard of this till now... i did not put anything except for a non-slip pad between my tank and the stand..

Fishyfanatic · 02-21-2006, 07:14 PM

We don't have anything under any of our tanks. I've never heard of this except for keeping the tank level.

Lonewolfblue · 02-21-2006, 07:24 PM

Don't worry about the center of the tank. What's important is supporting all the edges. And no, the tank won't blow a hole down the middle. They are made to support the weight if properly supported on all 4 edges. I would definitely use styrofoam to help give even support around the edges. Also, if the non-slip pad has some thickness to it and it's like rubber, you are just fine with that.

Lonewolfblue · 02-21-2006, 07:26 PM

The main reason people recommend styrofoam is if there's any imperfections in the stand, such as not being perfectly level all the way across with small hairline dips, the foam will give even support across the full edge of the tank. (Basically filling in any hairline gaps that could possibly put stress on the glass)

Andyvette · 02-21-2006, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lonewolfblue

They are made to support the weight if properly supported on all 4 edges. I would definitely use styrofoam to help give even support around the edges. Also, if the non-slip pad has some thickness to it and it's like rubber, you are just fine with that.

exactly

Legacy · 02-22-2006, 02:33 AM

Thanks for the advice! I brought the tank up 2 flights of stairs today to get it from the garage to my living room and it only took 5 grown men to do it! Haha!

Andyvette · 02-22-2006, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Legacy

Thanks for the advice! I brought the tank up 2 flights of stairs today to get it from the garage to my living room and it only took 5 grown men to do it! Haha!

I believe it.... my arms were gonna fall off with 2 of us moving my 100 gallon about 15 yards..... I would sell my house and buy a 1 story, or find a place on the first floor for it