I would like to bring up a topic often overlooked, when setting up a new aquarium. Before we even add water there are things to consider. The surface we use to set an aquarium on needs to be flat, with full support. We all get excited about a new tank. Thinking of that new pair of peacocks, or how we want to landscape one fine looking reef, but before we do that we need to think of the foundation that will support this gorgeous new conception of yours. Glass and plastics are wonderful materials. They both have the ability to stretch under a load, till they reach there breaking point. The glass will stretch till it reaches the support you set it on, and that stretch can affect the water seal, and cause a leak, or the glass to break. So what we do is look at the stand along the floor to start with, any gaps we fill with wood shims for full support along the bottom. Next look where the tank sets on the stand, and look for full support, any gaps should not be more than the thickness of a credit card. VERY SMALL! The empty aquarium should not rock, if pressure is applied at any point around the tank. Level is not that important, if the tank is not level the waterline at the top might be a little off, but it won’t cause a leak. A flat surface is important with full support 360 degrees around the bottom. This only takes a few minutes, and it can save you from a bad experience, with your aquarium. Something else to think about is the weight of water. 8 pounds per gallon for freshwater 8 ½ pounds per gallon saltwater (30 gallon saltwater=255 lbs) plus the weight of the aquarium, and gravel.

Wrought Iron stands are tricky all the weight is distributed at the outside corners, and it is very hard to tell if the floor it’s sitting on is flat, without reference points to visually look at. You can use a straight edge that spans the entire length you are using, to see if there are gaps, are if the straight edge will rock when put at front corner to opposite back corner? (Big X’s) The stand should not rock back and forth when in the position you want it, without the tank sitting on it. You guessed it I am not a fan of wrought iron stands. I am not saying not to use wrought iron. I am saying they can be tricky. People say you use them in the store, but they are commercial duty, and I have had mishaps with them. Murphy’s Law always seems to find ole Robert, so I recommend using an aquarium stand, and use one with full support at the floor shimmed to fit. You’ve heard it before a good foundation is needed to start off right. I stress this because; I want you to have a good experience, with the aquarium hobby. Remember flat surface, and good support 360 degrees around the tank. If you have any questions about this discussion feel free to ask, this is an important topic of basic aquarium keeping often overlooked.