Recommended depth of polystyrene under aquarium

[Nik_Boyd]

I've just taken delivery of my new tank, 54*24*24 (approx 500lt, 130 USG) - can someone recommend what thickness of polystyrene would be sensible to sit it on? looks like I can get tiles which are about 8mm or insulation sheets at 25mm

Thanks

Nik

[Viktor Jarikov]

When I bought ten 220 US gal tanks from Glasscages (8'x2'x2'), the warranty requirement was that they sit on 3/4" styrofoam. I think it is a sensible thickness. I'd personally go with 1".

Having said that, my 120 US gal 5'x1.5'x2' had always sat right on the stands, all handmade or made from scratch (like temporary installs with bricks/blocks or furniture items). One must absolutely make sure the support is sturdy, can handle the weight with a huge margin of safety, and near perfect level as humanely possible.

[Nik_Boyd]

Thanks Viktor - 25mm is almost exactly 1', think I'll go with that

[Viktor Jarikov]

Yes, 2.54 cm = 1". You forgot the "shift".

[Viktor Jarikov]

and near perfect level as humanely possible.

This was easy. I put the empty tank on the stand/pillars, which was/were roughly level, and kept wobbling it back and forth and adjusting and shimming until all the points of support were level with the tank's bottom. Styrofoam is only for "just in case" and should NOT be relied on for making up for unevenness of the support. Support still must be even.