How To Level An Aquarium Stand

Ensuring that the aquarium is level is important. Sometimes if it is slightly out of level it doesn’t matter as the water surface is often above the lowest part of the aquarium hood, or there is a black band on the aquarium to hide the water surface. If the water level can be seen it needs to be visually correct, and in any case it is best if the stand is level in any circumstance for support.

There are two approaches to levelling, and this depends on the start point of the construction – is the stand being constructed from the start or has the stand been purchased complete.

If the aquarium stand is being constructed, then consideration should be given to the site it is to be used in. Using string or similar, mark accurate lines exactly where the stand will go. Then, using a reasonably long bubble level, lay the level carefully along the string, first along the front edge and then along the end line. (If the level is not as long as the line, use a piece of wood the length of the line and put the level on that. Ensure that the wood is absolutely straight, and not warped at all.) Note in each case if the bubble is exactly in the middle. If it is not, raise the level until it is. A measurement can now be taken of the distance that the level had to be lifted to achieve true horizontal. The same should be done with the side lines.

If the levels of the floor are true, then no problem. If not, then proceed in one of two ways. When constructing the stand, allow the additional measurement to be added to the height of the stand at the necessary end, ensuring that strength and stability are maintained. Properly done, the stand top will be level. Or, second, construct the stand as normal as though the floor was level. Then construct a filler, the thickness of which should be the amount by which the level had to be raised to make it truly horizontal.

The downside of adjusting the stand itself is that if it were to be moved to a new location, then it is not going to be level, and fillers are going to be needed. On this basis, it is best to construct the stand normally, and use fillers as described above. If inserting a filler, make it so that support is given to as much of the stand as possible. It may be necessary, if a floor slopes, to construct a triangular shaped filler.

If the stand is ready built, then use fillers where necessary as described above, after checking with a bubble level in the same way.

Aquariums full of water and rocks are very heavy and need to be stable. This is one of the reasons why the stand is levelled, as well as it being visually correct. Maximum and effective support is required if the floor area is out of true. Hopefully, most floors will be level. A little off topic, make sure that the floor itself is strong enough to support the aquarium. If in any doubt, seek qualified advice.

• Planning Is Necessary Before You Take The Plunge Guest post by Eric V. Van Der Hope - ReefKeepingBasics.com You cannot underestimate the value of planning when it comes to starting a Saltwater Fish/...
• Aquarium DIY - Have Fun And Save Some Money Personally I like DIY. I have done a bit of aquarium diy in relation to plumbing, stands, hoods etc however I have to say that...
• A ‘Perfect’ Standard Set-up Is there such a thing as a perfect aquarium set-up? The answer is a clear ‘no’. This is because the system would need hardly any...
• The Plenum - Could It Work For You The word plenum is not a term which the majority of beginners have actually heard of especially when it comes to filtering the aquarium. The...
• Why Not Have A Sump Marine aquarists are always looking for ways to improve their systems. During the research and building stage, there may have been financial restrictions or other...

• Guidelines Designed For Drying Up A Watery And Soggy Basement Intended For You Yourself And Your Familys Wellbeing If you determined that surface water is directed towards your home or that water is laying in low spots next to your home, you'll have...
• B Vitamins Part of Weightloss -- B12 and B6 As part of my weightloss plan one of the suggestions is to have a vitamin B12 injection and potentially take a B6 supplement. For the...
• Obama At House Republican Retreat In Baltimore: FULL VIDEO, TEXT [/caption] Video of President Obama's remarks to the House Republican retreat in Baltimore on Friday, Jan. 29, 2010 and Q&A With GOP Lawmakers: Complete transcript...
• What Is A "Living Building"? Dear EarthTalk: I recently heard the term “living building.” Can you explain? Over the past couple of decades, architects and builders looking to green their...
• Home Repair and Construction Glossary Here is an extensive glossary on terms that will help you with woodworking, carpentry, home repair, DIY projects and construction. ABS - This is a...