How to stabilize the tank?

[NanoReef_Man]

Hello!

 

I am new to reefing and glad to be part of Nano-Reef. I learned a lot from you guys and currently in the process of setting up a 20L reef tank.

 

I bought the standard 20L tank stand from big Als . The tank sits in the main floor (with hardwood) and whenever we walk, I see bit of vibrations in the tank (the pumps are off). When we walk hard or jump, vibrations are more pronunced.

 

The stand has 5 legs and the whole system sits on these legs. I would like to avoid all vibrations in the tank, due to the hardwood floor.

 

I am thinking of two options

 

(a) remove the stand legs, place the stand flat on a carpet on to the hardwood floor

( provide additional wood support along with the legs (on all sides) to increase the weight distribution

 

Which will work best? Or do we have better alternatives?

Appreciate all your help and solutions.

Thanks.

 

[Islandoftiki]

I'm a little confused. Of course, I've only had half a cup of coffee so far today.

 

Is your main concern that the stand will scratch the hardwood floor?

 

Do you have a picture of the stand? I'm having a hard time imagining a 5 legged stand.

[NanoReef_Man]

_{The stand looks like the picture below. It has five legs (on all corners and one in the front middle) which will be screwed into the cabinet. The length of the legs is around 1 inch after screwing them into the stand. Basically the stand is sitting on this 1 inch legs.}

 

_{I am using felt pads on the legs, so they sit snug on the hardwood floor. So, no scratches.}

_{Thanks Tiki!}

[Islandoftiki]

Yeah, I don't think you want it sitting on the ground without the legs on a piece of carpet because when you spill water on the floor, the carpet will get wet and the moisture will wick under the stand and really ruin the hardwoods. You want any spilled water to be easily wiped up or to dry quickly.

 

 

What exactly is the concern about vibrations in the tank?

[NanoReef_Man]

Exactly! You are right.

That was the reason, I bought this stand with legs. So I can easily wipe off the spills.

 

I am concerned that the vibrations will disturb the tank inhabitants (when I add them later). The main floor is used very much by the family.

When we walk hard the vibrations are higher as well. I know I cannot avoid them completely, but would like to reduce them.

[Islandoftiki]

I don't think it would be disturbing at all, and it would be all but impossible to eliminate unless you put some large supports in the floor underneath the tank and the surrounding area.

 

My peacock mantis shrimp can sense when someone walks by her tank and comes out to greet them, but it's hardly a disturbance to her. I would say that unless you have water splashing out of the tank or constant disturbances all night long, then you might stress out the inhabitants, but normally in the ocean they'd be dealing with changing water currents and other disturbances on a regular basis.

 

I think it's a non-issue, personally.

[NanoReef_Man]

Thanks Tiki!!!

Really makes me feel better on this.

 

BTW, your tank is awesome man...

[Islandoftiki]

Thanks Tiki!!!

Really makes me feel better on this.

 

BTW, your tank is awesome man...

 

Thank you. Apparently Innovative Marine liked the tank enough to feature a picture of it on Facebook.

[NanoReef_Man]

Wow!!! Congrats!!

[vlangel]

Exactly! You are right.

That was the reason, I bought this stand with legs. So I can easily wipe off the spills.

 

I am concerned that the vibrations will disturb the tank inhabitants (when I add them later). The main floor is used very much by the family.

When we walk hard the vibrations are higher as well. I know I cannot avoid them completely, but would like to reduce them.

 

There is one marine animal that might be spooked by floor vibration and although I doubt you are planning on including them, I mention it just for your information - seahorses. A 20L isn't suited for them but who knows about any future tanks you might have. After all, never say never!

[NanoReef_Man]

Thanks for the information vlangel!

I have no plans for keeping seahorses, but good to knnow.

[vlangel]

That's kind of what I thought but figured I'd mention it anyhow, just in case.