Tilted tank... leak risk?

Liz

Liz

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Mar 25, 2005
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So I realized that the 30 gallon tank I just got is somehow tilted, the water is about 1/8 - 1/4" lower on one side than on the other. Not sure if it's the stand or my floor. Anyways, I read on a website by a pretty knowledgeable-seeming guy that a tilt won't increase leak risk, but I'm also reading a lot of people's opinions that seems to contradict that. Anyone know if this tilt will increase leak risk and why?
 
I've always been told the same thing- supposedly if the tank is tilted it somehow puts uneven pressure on the silicone and that is where the leak risk gets increased. I'm not sure if it is true or not because I've never had a tank worth risking lol! Every tank we set up gets leveled with real level. Right now the house we own is 95 years old and NOTHING is level- but my tanks are! The front of the 55 is jacked up on thin thin pieces of plywood and the 29 has adjustable feet on the stand. I've also been told that if you cannot possible level the stand, to make sure and sit the tank on a thin piece of high density foam to give it some "cushion" ?
 
I want to build my aquarium into a wall. Are there any special considerations I should be concerned with?
Absolutely. First and foremost, you must be sure that the structure you are placing your aquarium on is perfectly level and will support the weight. A 210 gallon aquarium when filled with gravel, rocks, fish, and water weighs upwards of 2,450 pounds. All sides of the aquarium must be adequately supported in order to avoid stressing the seams of the tank. When placing your aquarium in any type of enclosed space, be sure to allow enough space around the tank to allow for routine maintenance, ventilation, equipment and basic care.


This is from the Aqueon website, they make them, they say level.
 
I doubt a small amount of tilt will significantly change the weight on the silicon seams. Think about how the force of water's weight is distributed in a tank. It's true that the most is at the bottom, so if a tank is tilted, it has a smaller "bottom". So, it's logical to think that an unlevel tank has more force on one seam than another. But, when you consider how much weight is being distributed throughout the tank the difference between a perfectly level tank and one that is slightly tilted is very small.

Twisting on the other hand is what that link you found talks about, that's a very different force than the weight of water. That will cause your tank to break (some sooner than others). That's what the foam mats are all about.

I might have egg on my face if my 20g bursts, it's leaning forward a small amount because this house isn't level (Thanks northridge earthquake) but, I'm not worried too much about it.
 
my planted 55 is just a smidge off perfectly level and i don't worry about it at all.
 
I have a 150 that is a 1/4" off or less. I've had it running for a year and a half no and no issues as of yet... (now i'm knocking on wood)
 
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