Tank Trim & Foam Board

[txfatcat]

I was wonder if someone can educate me on the purpose of the trim on the bottom of a tank and the concept of using foam board.

Ok first off I understand its there to protect the edges from chipping.   I know that it provides no seal what so ever as when moving tanks here and there most of the trim has been loose or peeled back so a simple dab of silicon and its back in place.  I guess what I am tring to understand is when setting up a tank that will be there for a long time  how many people use the foam board under the glass.   This seems like from an engineering standpoint that having the foam board as a medium to give the tank more surface area for weight distribution would be better.   I can know it would be better for heavy items in the tank.....holey rock etc.   This is one of the reasons I have started using egg crate is to protect the bottom inside of the tank and distribute the weight in the tank. Not sure if its actually doing this as i have no hard data on my theory.

Is most of the weight or pressure on the outside edges of a tank. I would think that it would be more from the pressure of the water pushing out with some of the forces down.   I have seen many people and companys using foam so am I correct in my thinking or is there another magical reason?

any commments ideas or insite would be great

[szidlon]

Re: Tank Trim & Foam Board

I believe most people who use the foam board do so to level the tank.  As the tank settles into the foam board it basically self levels.

Not sure on the trim, I've never had one without trim so I would just be guessing on whether or not it adds to the tanks stability.

[txfatcat]

Re: Tank Trim & Foam Board

Ok I understand the concept of leveling but does it actually work?

Say you have a stand that is 1/2" higher on one side.  Will the foam not compress under the weight equally?  or when using foam to level so they put it on the area of the tank that is higher?

Just trying to understand

[wesleydnunder]

Re: Tank Trim & Foam Board

I don't think the foam will do much toward leveling. I used it to take up for any imperfections in the stand. The bottom trim that the tank glass rests on is usually flat and straight...many stands are not, and the foam helps to even out the surface.

Mark

[wvgdiscus]

Re: Tank Trim & Foam Board

The foam  also acts as an insulation board.

[txfatcat]

Re: Tank Trim & Foam Board

Insulation from what?

[PhishPhreek]

Re: Tank Trim & Foam Board

If you are using a cheap and easy stand such as concrete blocks or landscape timbers, they are not usually level and smoth.
the high spots cause increased presure on the bottom of the tank and may cause the glass to crack or seals to leak.
to prevent this, some use a 1/2"or thicker piece(s) of styrafoam as a liner between the stand and the tank,
because it will compress more under the high preassure and there provide a more equal support preswsure for the tank.  
Similarly,  eggcrate material is used inside the tank to distribute the weight of those big holey rocks.  

[wvgdiscus]

Re: Tank Trim & Foam Board

Insulation from what?

The outside temp.

[txfatcat]

Re: Tank Trim & Foam Board

yes i understand insulation from the outside temp.   I guess i just dont see the benifit if using to insulate. Two thoughts.   1. Substraight  2. does it really make a difference insulating the bottom when you have the top sides, front and back non insulated?


I can absolutely see using foam as a medium between concrete blocks or something.



not trying to shoot everyones  comments down   just brain storming and trying to learn here.  For some reason this discussion is buggin the crap out of me. I wish this were an easy question to answer like why they you put an orange in blue moon beer.   We can provide an anwser without much thought to that one.

thanks again for all the input from everyone.