Styrofoam under tank

[flintstone]

I have recently set up two new aquariums, and in the process, have been reading a lot of different material.

There have been a few mentions, but no explanations about using styrofoam under your tank for padding. As I have already begun cycling, my question is too late to change anything, but I am curious about why anyone would do this.

Just wondering! Thanks to anyone who replies!

 

[CFC]

Polystyrene or styrofoam is placed under the tank to even out the level of the tank and absorb any shocks that travel through the stand from people jumping or dropping something heavy in the room. These shocks can cause the tank to crack so it is a good idea to use the padding rather than have X ammount of water all over your carpets.

 

[Lateral Line]

Absolutely. A frameless tank should always have a layer of polystyrene under it so that the weight is spread evenly rather then at the points where the base is in contact with the cabinet ot whatever it stands on.

 

[shday]

I think I've read that cork-board could also be used for this. Anyone use cork?

 

[Lateral Line]

No, but it is easy to see that it would work in the same way.

 

[flintstone]

Absolutely. A frameless tank should always have a layer of polystyrene under it so that the weight is spread evenly rather then at the points where the base is in contact with the cabinet ot whatever it stands on.

Sorry too be such a pain, but by "frameless tank" do you mean a standard glass tank like the ones made by "All-Glass Aquarium" or "Top Fin"? I really don't know much about how many different types of tanks are available.

Also, If one were to purchase polystyrene where would you find it?

Thanks for your replies everyone.

 

[Lateral Line]

A frameless tank is one made from 5 pieces of glass "glued" together with silicone. Those of us old enought to know, will remember tanks which had an iron/steel/stainless steel angle frame which was glazed later. The glass was fixed with putty or similar which served the purposed of evenly distributing the load.

If you have an "all glass" tank, it should have a layer of soft material under it.

Most building supply places will sell polystyrene tiles or sheets.

 

[smithrc]

The instructions in all 4 of my tanks say not to use it under the tanks...
they all have a plastic 'base frame' that supports the tank.

 

[Lateral Line]

>>> they all have a plastic 'base frame' that supports the tank.

Then by definition, they are not "All Glass" tanks are they.

 

[TK Tiger]

i have used a thick piece of towel cloth it seems to have done the trick cause i have no problems so far and fish seem happy and no vibrations get to the tank

 

[smithrc]

>>> they all have a plastic 'base frame' that supports the tank.

Then by definition, they are not "All Glass" tanks are they.

why do i bother some times...

I was just trying to say that if it's got a frame (not from the ark and made of steel etc) it may not need them...

 

[George&Ade]

A friend of mine set up his tank with no padding underneath.
He came down one morning to find 85% of the water had leaked out.
Luckily he managed to save all the fish,and then drained the rest of the water to find that he had placed the tank on top of ONE........YES..........ONE piece of gravel.
Over a period of time........this had caused the tank to develop a crack.
Obviously,most of the weight was pressing down on it and it gave way.
So yes.....i think padding is a must

 

[Lateral Line]

smithrc:

>>> why do i bother some times...

Read the question, and read the answers...

>>> A frameless tank should always...

It was not until asked...

>>> but by "frameless tank" do you mean

... I suggested that there were tanks WITH frames, that did not require load spreading measures.

I then went on to describe what a frameless tank was...

>>> A frameless tank is one made from 5 pieces of glass "glued" together with silicone.

... and allowed the questioner to make up his/her own mind whether that was the case or not...

Now, we come to your point, which was?

 

[smithrc]

CHILL OUT!

All my tanks are 5 peices of glass siliconed together then they are sat in plastic base... that was all... I was not out to make a point... just share a bit of info.