Where Can I Buy Those Styrofoam For Fish Tank Base

[dingweding]

Because my tank craked 2 days ago, i have to buy a new one, this time i will buy some styrofoam to put underneath the tank.
where can i get it in UK?

BTW, many tanks come with a small base, like a black frame which is at the bottom of tank, should i put this black base on the styrofoam, or just put the bare tank on it?

Many thanks

 

[stang1]

We were worried about one of our tanks and couldn't find any styrofoam. Instead we brought a thick roll mat used for camping and it's done the job. Only cost about £4.99.

 

[dingweding]

roll mat? in that case, can i use a thick carpet?

 

[Biulu]

roll mat? in that case, can i use a thick carpet?

What you are looking for is something to divide the heavy weight of a filled tank. Make sure you buy something flexible in which the tank base leaves its 'marks'.

I do not live in the UK, but have you tried a DYI shop, or otherwise a handicraft shop? In general, stuff used for insulating houses (in slates or board form) should be ok.

 

[dingweding]

roll mat? in that case, can i use a thick carpet?

What you are looking for is something to divide the heavy weight of a filled tank. Make sure you buy something flexible in which the tank base leaves its 'marks'.

I do not live in the UK, but have you tried a DYI shop, or otherwise a handicraft shop? In general, stuff used for insulating houses (in slates or board form) should be ok.

i have no idea, where can i find such big piece, but i have a yoga matt
yes, it is new, never used, made from kinda soft plastic or wotever, i think i could fold it and make it a nice base?

 

[Torrean]

I think tolak is the one I've heard answer this a million times. I'll try to repeat what he says but please don't quote me. if the tank has a plastic frame around the bottom then you do not need the styrofoam. Only tanks that sit flat on the glass require the foam. You can get large pieces of styrofoam at a local hardware store. Just ask an employee. (I hope I got that right) Always make sure you clean the surface that the tank will sit on thoroughly. Any thing like a piece of gravel or (with tanks that do not have the plastic frame) a grain of sand can put the weight of all that water on one point causing a crack in the bottom glass. Also make sure your tank is level.

 

[zoekin8yg]

http/www.aquatics-online.co.uk/catalogue...s-base-mats.asp at the bottom of the page. But torrean is right they are only essential for glass bottomed tanks, if it has plastic casing you dont need one, but of course can still use it.

 

[vinylman]

You can also buy a pack of polystyrene tiles for next to nothing.

 

[dingweding]

Thank all your guys for the kindly suggestion

i do not know i should keep that small frame under the tank, because it is only very simple slim frame, and i thought if i put tank on it , there will be gap between the bottom glass and the stand, which means the bottom glass have to support all the weight of water and gavel so i am worried, everytime i get rid of the frame first , then put the bare bottom tank on the stand.

So , it sounds i did a very stupid thing

 

[Torrean]

So , it sounds i did a very stupid thing

kinda sounds that way. The plastic frame supports the glass evenly. Removing it causes the stand to support the glass. If there are any imperfections or weaknesses in your stand then the tank runs the risk of cracking. Try keeping the plastic frame this time. It's strong enough to support the tank.

2nd. I'm not sure about this but I believe tanks with the plastic frame are actually designed to have the exterior support of that frame. I think they stick the glass together in a different configuration. So if I am right removing the frame is a no no even if you use styrofoam.

 

[mrs_darlington]

Lynchford aquatics sell polystyrene squares 12/12" for 25 p each ( I think - maybe 50p) its in northcamp not too far from guildford.

 

[dingweding]

Lynchford aquatics sell polystyrene squares 12/12" for 25 p each ( I think - maybe 50p) its in northcamp not too far from guildford.

Thank you very much

 

[dingweding]

kinda sounds that way. The plastic frame supports the glass evenly. Removing it causes the stand to support the glass.

seems you are right, i search all the post here discussing this topic, everyone say that. But i still do not understand , why only support the 4 sides of the bottom glass, and lift the main part of it up, could be much more safer than support it totally with stand.

The former suppor possibly only 2% of the glass, the latter support 100% surface of the glass.

I am not a good engineering student i think

 

[Tolak]

The edge supports the raised base glass evenly. Tanks with that design have anywhere from 3 to about 7 pounds of pressure per linear inch. A standard All-Glass 55 gallon tank puts 5.2 pounds of pressure per linear inch on that frame. If the entire base was supporting the weight it would be about 1 pound per square inch.

Take an empty drinking glass, invert it, and push down with your finger to where you think you are applying 5 pounds of pressure, try 10 pounds. The glass won't break, and it's probably much thinner than an aquarium.

The reason they build them that way is to make building stands easier. It's easier to get the perimeter of a stand square and level than it is trying to get the entire surface square and level. Sheets of wood are more prone to bowing, making it thick enough to avoid that would make for a heavy stand, using more wood. That hard plastic rim does have some give to it. It will even out the support if there is somewhat of a gap due to stand unevenness.

 

[fishfishfish]

i was looking for the same basic thing only my 55 has a plastic lip that raises it.could i put foam underneateh and above?
i am looking to add alot of rocks on it