Aquarium off level tolerance?

[Heinbaughb]

When I set up my aquarium, being a novice, I didn’t take levelness into account since I have a ranch home with slab foundation and hardwood floors. I put the stand on 6 4” caster wheels so I could place at an angle and still get to the outlet in the back. Fast forward about 6 months.. I noticed my back rear casters were starting to give. I quickly blocked up the stand for support and feel ‘okay’ about it for now. Now for my question. I measured it is off level front to back 3/8” over a two foot length and is level from left to right (4’). How comfortable should I be with being out of level 3/8” over 2 ft? I probably won’t have the extra hands to correct it until next month. The stand is wood but seems to be of good quality.

edit: sorry I just realized this posted to the wrong part of the forum

120 gallon mixed reef.

[Wall_Tank]

I’m not sure I’ve seen a spec on this.   But too much can cause extra stress on the tank seams.

I would be more worried about a twist in the tank.

[Heinbaughb]

Thanks wall tank. I think I’m lucky in that aspect in that the back side is equally low so I could probably rule out a twisting force.


120 gallon mixed reef.

[Jstew600]

3/8 sounds like a lot. i usually dont have more than 1/8 over 4 feet.

[Heinbaughb]

I think you’re right, I need to get it level. Is anyone able to lend a hand this weekend? I’ll have to siphon out the water, block it up to the new height and then fill it up. I have containers the water can go in but I’m lacking in extra muscle to get it done.


120 gallon mixed reef.

[SweetReefOH]

How are you going to get it level? Shim the stand?

[Heinbaughb]

I’m going to put it up on higher 4x4 blocks than it is now to make the back level with the front. Being on casters already might make this easier than if it was sitting flat on the ground. I might even be able to get a car jack under it if lifting with suction cups/ by hand doesn’t work


120 gallon mixed reef.

[SweetReefOH]

So was the tank level before the casters “started to give”?

[Heinbaughb]

Not entirely. But it was closer than it is now. The idea of leveling it didn’t come to mind until I saw this

120 gallon mixed reef.

[SweetReefOH]

Oh my... that is scary.
Well I can give you a hand with getting the tank emptied but I can’t help with lifting...back issues

[Heinbaughb]

I’ll take whatever help I can get, even if it’s just equipment or advise. I’m realizing there is one corner that is definitely the lowest so I’m going to try to get it fixed this weekend. So far Chris and Toby have said they could help Saturday around 3-4


120 gallon mixed reef.

[SweetReefOH]

PM your info and I’ll do what I can to help.

[Agame43]

  The club has 2 amazing sets of suction cups, currently 1 set is at Lazy's for lifting a tank if needed. They work great, I used them 3 times recently to move a larger tank.

[Heinbaughb]

Big thanks to Toby, Reeferntraining and Thepipbull for helping me get this fixed. I’ll be sleeping better tonight!



120 gallon mixed reef.

[SweetReefOH]

Not that I was any help, but I’m really glad it went well!!

[lazylivin]

That should hold

[thepipbull]

No Problem tanks is coming along great