~matt~ Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 Hi guys, how important is it to have foam underneath a tank? i have just about finished setting up a new tank(5*2*2) and realised i dont have any foam underneath it, just want to know if i really need it before i fill it up. Thanks Matt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fongyfong Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 Hi guys, how important is it to have foam underneath a tank? i have just about finished setting up a new tank(5*2*2) and realised i dont have any foam underneath it, just want to know if i really need it before i fill it up. Thanks Matt Very important ur tank could crack at the bottom it doesnt have foam. Take it off and put some foam underneath Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcloughlin2 Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 Unless the tank is an all in one style setup (which don't require thick foam underlays) you need to get foam underneath the tank ASAP. If there is water in it, drain it NOW! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~matt~ Posted April 26, 2011 Author Share Posted April 26, 2011 no water in it yet thought id check first before i filled it, looks like im going to get some foam today thanks guys Matt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
efc01 Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 and make sure it overhangs all edges to be on the safe side Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daci Posted April 28, 2011 Share Posted April 28, 2011 you sure? coz im confuse... have you seen some of the pics from the suppliers in Germany where Grant had his fish imported? non have had foam! over hang and all... there are a few more suppliers in Germany have had their setup WITHOUT foam underneath... seem to be ok... i have yet had an answer as to why some do and some dont. no technical proof from anyone yet tank builder maybe? or an engineer of some sort? or glazier? hopefully someone on here coz im dying to know i had foam for all mine tank btw...why take the risk! (so i thought) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johns Posted April 28, 2011 Share Posted April 28, 2011 The reason for the foam is so it gives an even flat surface for the tank to sit on. We use foam for this as it will compress in spots that have uneven levels therefore not having a pressure point in the tank which may last a while before succumbing. Foam does not need to go all the way to the edge as I have had tanks running for a long time and missed the outer 10mm with no problems. Some fish rooms use black rubber under their tanks giving it the impression that no foam is there. It is ALWAYS best to put something under the tank as I have seen tank bases crack after 24 hours with water in them and no foam under them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
howard Posted April 28, 2011 Share Posted April 28, 2011 Matt, A while back i had a 6x2x2 which was 10mm thick and 15mm thick on the base , the previous owner didnt have foam and told me it shouldnt be a problem.. i set up the tank and 2 weeks later i had a nice long crack along the back of the tank, water gushing out from the bottom left hand corner , it is a disaster you wouldn't want to experience. GET FOAM ASAP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LithoMan Posted April 29, 2011 Share Posted April 29, 2011 Hi Give you a example you buy a nice fish tank and just put it on a normal table like some do not a made stand and the table is not 100% water proof and starts to bow and crack... goes your tank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GRK-351 Posted April 29, 2011 Share Posted April 29, 2011 what thickness foam do most people use? i have a just got a slightly smaller and shallower 4 footer built by st george and they sold me and recommend 18mm foam, but in my cabinet i only have clearance for 10mm to hide the bottom of the tank. wondering if the 10mm will be ok? it is sitting on an 18mm marine ply base Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bimbo Posted April 29, 2011 Share Posted April 29, 2011 what thickness foam do most people use? i have a just got a slightly smaller and shallower 4 footer built by st george and they sold me and recommend 18mm foam, but in my cabinet i only have clearance for 10mm to hide the bottom of the tank. wondering if the 10mm will be ok? it is sitting on an 18mm marine ply base 10mm seems to be the standard thickness you buy from fish shops. This will be more than adequate considering you are putting it onto an flat ply base Cheers James Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willo Posted June 14, 2011 Share Posted June 14, 2011 Sorry to raise old posts - just curious to know who sells styrofoam sheets to go under tanks? Is this something I can buy from clark rubber? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishmick Posted June 14, 2011 Share Posted June 14, 2011 Willo head to Reef river reptile @ Hornsby they have plenty. HTH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shawn87 Posted June 14, 2011 Share Posted June 14, 2011 Clark rubber does sell it that where I bought mine from Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrod Posted June 14, 2011 Share Posted June 14, 2011 I use cork. I can buy big rolls of it from places like Clark rubber. It's cheap as and works great Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whytri Posted June 20, 2011 Share Posted June 20, 2011 putting foam under your tank is just for safe precautions, you do not need it if its on a flat surface and the weight is distributed evenly on all surface. if you are planning on not using foam then make sure the surface that you are putting the tank on is spotless. any little rock or anything will be the weak point and risking the tank cracking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duck Posted June 20, 2011 Share Posted June 20, 2011 i didnt use plywood ontop of my stand and i now i can see the foam flattened abit due to the weight of the tank+ water, should i worry? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dobbin4 Posted June 20, 2011 Share Posted June 20, 2011 foam or cork or rubber will be ok if its not hard,, as said 10mm fine unless a big tank sorry whytri,,, but as you say,,, why would u risk it for $10 or less of foam ?? you crack your tank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whytri Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 yeah totally agreed, it is highly recommended to use some sort of foam, rubber or cork as mention but just stating in case those options are not available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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