How level is your tank?

Discussion in 'General Discussions' started by Khalid, Feb 19, 2011.

  1. Khalid

    Khalid Loricariidae

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    After getting a new 3ft tank and filling it up I noticed the water level was not level.:notrust:
    Initially I thought my eyes were just playing tricks.
    So I eventually measured (x4) the water level to the top of the tank on either sides (Length and width) and found a 1cm difference on both L and B.
    Measured all my tanks and also found the a difference of between 1cm and 1.5cm.

    This got me thinking,:idea: what would the difference be before a tank will crack?
    How much strain will a tank and stand take before it buckles, and cracks?
    I thought the styrofoam would level this abnormality.
    Given all floor surfaces are not 100% even/level.

    What are your tanks differences?
     
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  3. TomK

    TomK

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    Mine is also about a cm. I hide it by keeping the waterlevel higher than my lid's bottom. Also help to concentrate the light into the tank?
     
  4. Zoom

    Zoom Retired Moderator

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    I had a tank crack on my... water level was 1cm out... spoke to a tank builder, and he confirmed my suspicion. Out of level tank = strain. He explained to me which corner should have cracked from the extra strain, and lo-and-behold, this was the corner that cracked.
     
  5. OP
    Khalid

    Khalid Loricariidae

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    Some of the fancy tanks comes with adjustable legs. was this the case zoom?
    Did you place the second tank in the same place?
     
  6. TomK

    TomK

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    Oh my goodness! Does that mean, empty tank again, level and refill? I suppose you level the stand/table?
     
  7. OP
    Khalid

    Khalid Loricariidae

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    Any engineers out there?
     
  8. f-fish

    f-fish #unspecified

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    A bigger problem is frame / stand surface creep. Foam helps - but I get the feeling it has a limited amount of give before it might actually exacerbate the problem if it was to big to start with.


    Later Ferdie
     
  9. OP
    Khalid

    Khalid Loricariidae

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    Please explain?
     
  10. Zoom

    Zoom Retired Moderator

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    Yes, new tank in same place, but I've levelled it off with spacers under the legs. (Not adjustable)
     
  11. f-fish

    f-fish #unspecified

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    So we start with a level tank on a floor that seems to be level - we add water and all is good - over time (months / years) the stand / frame could creep ... see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creep_(deformation)

    The deformation typically sagging in the middle means that the tank is now under more stress in the middle since it has bent support against a straight glass floor. This is typical when the frame is much larger than the tank base and if frame / stand surface does not have adequate support.

    (BTW also keep an eye on buckling - corner to corner - your tank might look like it is level - but the glass base could be at risk.)

    Hope it makes sense.

    Later Ferdie
     
  12. TomK

    TomK

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    Ferdie, this from the link you gave. What does this translate to? I would say it has nothing to do with the inconsistant stress we talking about here, but maybe it has.

     
  13. OP
    Khalid

    Khalid Loricariidae

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    In additional to the metal creep
    we have seismic activity esp in the west rand.
    This will surely move our floor - concrete cracks ...
    High humidity.
    Constant water splashes - rust.

    I wonder what is the average lifespan of a stand.
     
  14. OP
    Khalid

    Khalid Loricariidae

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    what i can take out of this is
    1. All glass is not made equal
    2. Glass does not creep unless exposed to very high temp

    But i have seen glass bend when not braced correctly
     
  15. TomK

    TomK

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    And that is what we are concerned about. So I will rather level mine at the first opportunity.

    On the other hand, if the thickness is sufficient, it should not matter?
     
    Last edited: Feb 19, 2011
  16. OP
    Khalid

    Khalid Loricariidae

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    I would assume thickness is sufficient on the premise of a level base.
     
  17. TomK

    TomK

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    True. On the other hand, my new 90lt came with a sticker with guarantee and instructions and terms. Nothing was said of 'making sure it is 100% level'. Suppose it is common sense. A reminder would have been nice though.
     
  18. Zoom

    Zoom Retired Moderator

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    This is their loophole on their guarantee. It should be common sense.... like we all know a tank is for water and not petrol... this is what the suppliers will claim.
     
  19. Starfire_333

    Starfire_333

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    I have had my tank now for about 3 years now and it's never been level and it's never cracked. My tank is also a 1cm difference.
    When I first started keeping fish though I had a 100L tank crack on me (my own noobish fault with a big rock and nothing to protect the bottom) but the tank was in my room... I got home from school and my domestic worker who couldn't speak english very well told me that my wall in my bedroom was falling over. I got to my room... turns out 100L is a lot when it's all on your floor. :\ Fortunately no fish were lost during this. There was like 5cm of water in the bottom when I got there and I managed to save them.
     

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