What to put underneath tank?

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

Planning to move my 15 gallon later today, and I'm a little concerned about water splashes during water changes affecting the structural integrity of the cabinet the tank is on in the long term.

The cabinet is reinforced, so I'm not worried about the weight, but it's made out of that coated MDF style stuff that a lot of aquarium stands are made of. I try to be careful during maintenance, and keep a towel on hand, but the odd splash of water inevitably ends up running down the outside of the tank. I worry that tiny drops of water might get trapped between the bottom of the tank and the cabinet, and never fully dry, building up to cause a problem.

Since watching and reading about aquariums, I remember the KingofDIY talking about putting a yoga mat, or a piece of foam or something underneath a tank, but I can't remember why, and can't seem to find any more info or recommendations. I know the tank needs to be level, that it's imperative that no tiny stone or piece of gravel is underneath it and causes pressure to the glass, is that the only reason for the foam?

I've considered putting either a towel or a new shower curtain underneath. But a towel might actually cause the problem I'm trying to avoid. A shower curtain would at least prevent the water from getting to the tank stand, but I want to make sure no water can seep underneath the tank anyway. Should I just order some foam? Am I being too paranoid? What do you guys put your tanks on?

 

[Byron]

Water can get under the tank regardless of the material it is sitting on. A sheet of plastic (there is another name, can't remember) or something like a shower curtain which is water proof would obviously prevent the water from reaching the support shelf, which I believe is your concern. Water drops under the tank will cause no harm to the structure of the cabinet/shelf if they have a waterproof membrane-like sheet extending well beyond the frame of the tank.

Support for the tank itself is important, and keeping the tank level and on a level shelf/support (two different things) and the latter is where the foam or wood comes into play. My tanks all sit on a sheet of plywood, or an aquarium cabinet with a sheet of plywood. The value with plywood is that it does give a little with the weight and this allows the tank frame to settle evenly. If the tank frame gets uneven, as can happen when you carry the tank, it can crack the silicon seal. The sheet of foam on a metal stand provides much the same thing; the tank settles into the foam which keeps it even.

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

@Byron That answered my concerns perfectly, thank you kindly.

I did use a spirit level to check the floor and the cabinet are level when I set it up, and with 15 gallon tanks, I know I don't have to worry quite as much as if I were setting up a big tank, but it sounds the shower curtain, and a towel laid in front of the tank when I'm doing water changes, will solve my concern, thank you! Wanted to make sure, before moving the tank that has fish in it.

Or would you recommend I wait until I can get some plywood? My father said it was less of a concern since the tanks are small, but I'd trust your advice over his... (my dad is lovely, just might be wrong).

 

[Byron]

@Byron That answered my concerns perfectly, thank you kindly.

I did use a spirit level to check the floor and the cabinet are level when I set it up, and with 15 gallon tanks, I know I don't have to worry quite as much as if I were setting up a big tank, but it sounds the shower curtain, and a towel laid in front of the tank when I'm doing water changes, will solve my concern, thank you! Wanted to make sure, before moving the tank that has fish in it.

Or would you recommend I wait until I can get some plywood? My father said it was less of a concern since the tanks are small, but I'd trust your advice over his... (my dad is lovely, just might be wrong).

There are two issues. The plywood helps with support, nothing to do with water. The waterproof membrane (shower curtain or whatever) is the water prevention issue.

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

There are two issues. The plywood helps with support, nothing to do with water. The waterproof membrane (shower curtain or whatever) is the water prevention issue.

I see, I'm sorry, I think I'm conflating two different types of problems with setting up or moving the tank. I was thinking of the type of situation where the floor is slightly uneven, so the tank is slightly higher on on side or corner. Where someone has a large tank sitting like that for years, but the pressure of that 0.5 cm difference or so, with the weight of all that water, builds, and a pane finally pops and breaks. My dad said that I didn't have to worry too much about that, since my tank is so small, and we checked the floor and the tank (once positioned) was level.

I think you are saying that in the act of lifting and moving the tank, whether empty or partially full - can cause the panes in the silicone to shift slightly, but not obviously, and then cause a leak later? But the give in the plywood allows the panes and silicone to re-settle evenly. I hadn't known or thought of that. I thought that if you handled it gently and set it up, filled it, and it didn't leak immediately, that it was all good.

Apologies for the confusion, I'm not the smartest person

 

[Byron]

I was thinking of the type of situation where the floor is slightly uneven, so the tank is slightly higher on on side or corner. Where someone has a large tank sitting like that for years, but the pressure of that 0.5 cm difference or so, with the weight of all that water, builds, and a pane finally pops and breaks. My dad said that I didn't have to worry too much about that, since my tank is so small, and we checked the floor and the tank (once positioned) was level.

I agree. I had my fish room in the house full of tanks, including two 4-foot and a 5-foot, for 18 years and the concrete pad the house was built on had a slight slope in this particular room, which was the former carport enclosed by the previous owner. When the tanks were full of water, there was a small degree of tilt to one end of the room, noticeable only because the water level at the top frame had a space of maybe 1/8 to 2/8 of an inch at one end of the 5-foot tank while the water was at the frame at the other end. Didn't realize it until the tanks were in and full, but it was miniscule so I left it.

I think you are saying that in the act of lifting and moving the tank, whether empty or partially full - can cause the panes in the silicone to shift slightly, but not obviously, and then cause a leak later? But the give in the plywood allows the panes and silicone to re-settle evenly. I hadn't known or thought of that. I thought that if you handled it gently and set it up, filled it, and it didn't leak immediately, that it was all good.

Tanks must always be completely empty, including no substrate, when they are moved. As a precaution, I have a sheet of thick plywood under the tanks, and once empty it is easy to lift the tank and plywood so the tank never in fact leaves the plywood. This method avoids any chance of bending the frame, which can easily occur the heavier/larger the tank is. I moved my 10g on a sheet of plywood myself, but I had a helper for the 20g and up tanks.

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

I agree. I had my fish room in the house full of tanks, including two 4-foot and a 5-foot, for 18 years and the concrete pad the house was built on had a slight slope in this particular room, which was the former carport enclosed by the previous owner. When the tanks were full of water, there was a small degree of tilt to one end of the room, noticeable only because the water level at the top frame had a space of maybe 1/8 to 2/8 of an inch at one end of the 5-foot tank while the water was at the frame at the other end. Didn't realize it until the tanks were in and full, but it was miniscule so I left it.



Tanks must always be completely empty, including no substrate, when they are moved. As a precaution, I have a sheet of thick plywood under the tanks, and once empty it is easy to lift the tank and plywood so the tank never in fact leaves the plywood. This method avoids any chance of bending the frame, which can easily occur the heavier/larger the tank is. I moved my 10g on a sheet of plywood myself, but I had a helper for the 20g and up tanks.

Thank you so much for all your help, I've learned a lot. Ordering plywood now!

Glad your tanks didn't crack, I've had nightmares about something like that happening.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

As @Byron said, I would put a plastic sheet down.

Some companies like FLUVAL include little foam sheets that go under the tank. (I know they do on the FLEX for sure)

You can look for something like this at a graft store.

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

As @Byron said, I would put a plastic sheet down.

Some companies like FLUVAL include little foam sheets that go under the tank. (I know they do on the FLEX for sure)

You can look for something like this at a graft store.

Thank you
I have a new shower curtain that has the image of river pebbles on it, seems appropriate for underneath will use that to protect, and some plywood for stability. I appreciate all the help, have learned so much since joining up, it's awesome.