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Gang,

As some of you already know, I am in the process of setting up a 125G. In an earlier post of mine, Keith (as helpful as usual) suggested to use Styrene to insulate the tank bottom.

Well, I followed his advice and went to Home Depot and got a sheet of 1” thick Polystyrene Insulation. My question now is – where to put it?

I basically have 2 options:

a) put it on the top frame of the stand which would create a 1” high pink layer between black stand and black tank frame. In addition, the top of the tank is 1” higher and as such maintenance is getting a little harder.

b) cut a piece that fit tightly inside the stand and let it rest on top of the stand crossbars. This would conclude in a gap between sheet and bottom of tank (there would be one in option a) as well, but with much lesser height).

I clearly tend towards solution b) as I am not too keen on the pink inch. I am a little worried about possible condensation buildup between sheet and tank bottom though.

What do you think?

Ingo

LITTLE_FISH attached this image:

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Ingo is the tank going to be sitting inside the stand? or on the outer frame? I have never insulated a tank before. What does it do? Does it absorb shock or heat loss? I have done something similar with my tank and stand because my tank was an eigth of inch to big for the stand so I cut a piece of plywood which is a bit bigger then the stand and the tank sits on top of that. And I wrapped the exposed edges of the plywood in black electrical tape. So if you choose option A you could do the same. It doesnt look bad at all. It blends in with my tank bottom and stand and if it wasnt for the edges of the plywood sticking out a bit you wouldnt notice it.

Hope this helps

Eric

Last edited by ericm at 03-Sep-2005 13:20

Option 3 paint the styro (dont' use spay paint it melts the styro) or use black contact paper to cover it.

I'm worried about placing it directly inside under the tank. My understanding is that a tank is designed to be supported by the black trim?

In winter I use styro on 3 sides of my tank with styro, painted dark blue. Heat insulation and tank background in one ....btw I used the white sheeting from homedepot .

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Babel fish is a genius!

My tank stands on a piece of carpet - I have a lovely red inch between the tank and the stand - this is the stand I waited for 1 month so it everything matched all my pine furniture!. it doesn't look good. My other tank doesn't stand on anything.

Do what Babel fish says. that is an excellent idea.

GFG

_______________________________________
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Babel,

That really seems to be a great idea, but I have to ask you an additional question first:

Why would you be “worried about placing it directly inside under the tank?”

Yes, the tank is supported on the black trim that will rest on top of the stand. Are you worried that the bottom of the tank would receive pressure from the sheet? There would be at least a 1” gap between the Styrene and the bottom of the tank if I place the sheet inside the frame.

Please explain, thanks a lot,

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

There would be at least a 1” gap between the Styrene and the bottom of the tank if I place the sheet inside the frame.

Missed that...no worries on my part then.

Paint would probably be the easiest and cheapest, not sure what types would work with the styro though.

^_^[hr width='40%']"Has someone taken your faith? It's real, the [link=pain]http://babelfish.qwertydigital.com/" style="COLOR: #EB4288[/link] you feel.
The life, the love, You die to heal.
The hope that starts, The broken hearts...
I’ve got another confession my friend, I’m no fool.
I’m getting tired of starting again, Somewhere new."

Thanks Babel

Now all I need is an explanation from Keith as he is the one responsible for the purchase of the Styrene

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

No problem,

Good luck on that....last I knew he was enjoying fathers day .

^_^[hr width='40%']"Has someone taken your faith? It's real, the [link=pain]http://babelfish.qwertydigital.com/" style="COLOR: #EB4288[/link] you feel.
The life, the love, You die to heal.
The hope that starts, The broken hearts...
I’ve got another confession my friend, I’m no fool.
I’m getting tired of starting again, Somewhere new."

LITTLE_FISH


Before I make any comments as I want to make sure I have it exactly what you are doing

Here is a rough sketch of what I think you are refering to if no E/m me the correct sizes of all the material concerned.

I will PM you my E/M

Keith

keithgh attached this image:


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im not sure if this topic is still in the air but from my 4 years experience in airbruhs art the best type of paint in this situtation would be Acrylic paint or better known as water based, i would test on a small piece before covering the whole area just in case there are any other additived. this allows you to see the full result.

one of the benefits of styrefoam is that it not only will insulate the bottom of the tank very well, it will also help to even out the pressures of the tank on the stand, any imperfections etc. Many DIYers will tell you to cut a piece of 3/4 inch plywood to sit directly under the tank and to cut a piece of foam for the recess under the tank bottom.
If this helps I don't know but if you just want to hide the ugly pink foam perhaps try placing a some poster board or thin cardboard over the top of it, which would be much easire to paint to match your needs. Hope it all works out. good luck