can I setup acyrlic tank on plywood or only foam?

[wpbfishguy]

I have a 100g tenecor tank that I need to setup. Can I set the tank on a stand with a plywood top completely covering the bottom of the tank or do I need to put foam on top of the plywood. If foam is necessary what kind can I use keeping in mind the tank is six feet lond and 18 inches wide. thanks

[Buster4900]

My 110 gallon acrylic is only sitting on the wood stand and I have had no problems. But who nows what the future will bring?

[wpbfishguy]

thanks Buster anyone else with acrylic tanks how are the supported?

[Blown 346]

My tank is also just sitting on wood, the only time I would use foam is if the stands top isnt perfectly level. The foam will level itself with the weight of the tank.

[melev]

Put the foam on the plywood, then the acrylic tank. That way it is fully supported, and there are zero pressure points that might cause a leak.

I recommend the same thing with acrylic sumps.

[pnosko]

I think foam is a good idea with plywood, which has hard and soft spots. My stand, nmade for acrylic, is melanine on particle board, which shouldn't have hard/soft spots.

Marc, what kind of foam? I have leftover thin foam sheet from glueless laminate flooring. Would this be good stuff to use?

[melev]

I'm referring to the 3/4" thick pink stuff that Home Depot sells for $11. It is 4' x 8' in size, and easily cut with a utility knife. It is dense, not the white styrofoam we sometimes see that seems to be made of a billion round dots, as that type is too soft.

They also have 1" foam for $13, but most will never need it.

[jdieck]

You can also use a thiner one if the tank and plywood are fairly flat. The 1/4 think pink one used for house insulation will also work but insure that the wrapping of the tank or wood is less than 1/32" other wise use the thick one.

[wpbfishguy]

Thanks everyone I will definitely use foam on top of the plywood

[melev]

I believe the only type of pink sheet insulation you can buy is 3/4" or 1". I've never seen 1/4" and that really sounds too thin for this particular application, let alone insulating my home. :eek2:

[pnosko]

1/4" foam board is what what used for sheathing on the house I bought. Not plywood. Not chip board. Just foam on a layer of foil. :furious:

[melev]

That is really thin stuff. I'll have to see if I come across that myself. I've seen the ones with foil, but thought they were thicker. Thanks for the followup.

[jdieck]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7776020#post7776020 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
That is really thin stuff. I'll have to see if I come across that myself. I've seen the ones with foil, but thought they were thicker. Thanks for the followup.

It is used for re-siding. It is a bit more rigid than the usual white foam, works very well. It comes in 1/4" and 3/8".
I use the 1/4" under my acrylic 225, under my 55 AGA refugium.
http://www.owenscorning.com/around/insulation/products/fanfold.asp

[Pez Vela]

Not to hijack the thread, but what about placing glass (miracles in glass) aquariums on a plywood deck. Mine is a built in stand with 1.125" plywood top. It is pretty level, but what is everyone placing on the stand for under a glass aquarium?

Mike

[melev]

Mike, my tank is an InterAmerican Starfire glass tank, and it is on foam on plywood.

[Pez Vela]

Thanks Marc! I will go out and get some foam indeed,

Mike