Tank Stand Problem

[PaulineMi]

We put the 75 gallon tank on the stand that was made for me gratis. We are considering pitching the stand and purchasing an actual aquarium stand. I don't believe we have any repair options but I thought I'd ask before making the move. No carpentry skills in our household. The original builder lives over 100 miles away and has just suffered a serious head injury. The previous stand (which I paid him for) is perfectly level.

Here's a picture of what is wrong. We put a level on it...the one side that the tank sits on is off. The bottom floor part of the stand is fine. From everything I've read on line it is not safe to shim something like this nor is it good to put a sheet of insulation under it....even though people do these things. The chance of flooding and dead fish is too big a risk for me. However if anyone here knows what we can do I'd be interested in hearing about it.

[Mugwump]

...put a sheet of plywood under it............measure it and go to Lowe's/Menard's. etc....they'll cut you the piece.....boomba...

[P4Angels]

Get some 1" foam and place under the tank it will help to take out all the irregularities out...

[b125killer]

I would put plywood on it. If not the stand would need to be taken apart and leveled. It kind of sucks and it's a bit of a pain.

[PaulineMi]

Wouldn't the plywood eventually sag into the lower corner of the top of the stand?

[Mugwump]

Wouldn't the plywood eventually sag into the lower corner of the top of the stand?

Nope....the tank weight is on the perimeter....it will equalize itself...use 1/2" plywood...

[BillT]

I would put the plywood on the top of the stand, but use shims to provide the plywood with level support at the low points.
This will provide both even pressure from the tank to it underlying support and make the support surface level (or planar) so the tank will not be warped to the shape of the top of the stand.
Thick insulation might be this also but it might not depending on the weight, the size of gaps, and amount of compression it under goes.

[Mugwump]

The plywood will mold itself to the top supporting the tank perimeter, but for peace of mind you can put a shim on the one corner.....good idea

[PaulineMi]

Thanks for all the advice.  We will be going the plywood and shims route.  I'm so glad I'll be able to use the stand afterall.