Tropical Fish Forum

Tropical Fish Keeping Help and Advice => Fish Tanks and Equipment => Topic started by: TraceyH on June 19, 2013, 10:12:28 PM

Title: Quick question
Post by: TraceyH on June 19, 2013, 10:12:28 PM
I have just got another 50l tank so definitely caught MTS lol
Do I need to put anything between it and the work surface before I start to fill it etc?

Thanks :)
Title: Re: Quick question
Post by: Sue on June 20, 2013, 08:17:35 AM
That depends on how it's made.

If the bottom of the tank is completely flat so that the whole base of the tank is in contact with the worktop, yes you do. Something like polystyrene tiles or a purpose made basemat. Even something as small as a grain of sand caught between the bottom glass and the worktop can crack the bottom when it's filled with water and heavy.

If it has a floating base, you do not need anything under the tank. A floating base is a rim round the outer edge of the tank bottom, usually where the side panels project below the base panel and often covered with plastic of some sort to make it look nicer. This type of tank will have a hollow under the bottom pane when it's on a worktop. With some makes you even invalidate the warranty if you put something under the tank.
Title: Re: Quick question
Post by: TraceyH on June 20, 2013, 07:43:01 PM
Thanks Sue, is it hasn't a floating base so I will get a mat to put it on.
Is there anything you don't know :)
Title: Re: Quick question
Post by: Sue on June 20, 2013, 07:57:01 PM
I've been reading up on fish since I joined a couple of forums in 2006, and that's a lot of reading  ;D.

Including a forum which has a member called TnTLondon.............