Installation
As mentioned above, the water pressure in a fully filled tank is considerably and it takes only the slightest stress in a glass panel for a crack to develop.
Therefore it is vitally important that the tank is sited level in all directions. Apart from this, a sloping water line doesn't look attractive at all.
Another stress-causing factor is any unevenness on the surface of what the tank stands on. It is usual to put a slab of polystyrene (styrofoam) under the tank to iron out any unevenness.
A fully-filled and furnished aquarium is also EXTREMELY HEAVY.
Make sure that not only what the tank stands on is capable of taking its considerable weight but also the floor beneath. Ensure that, with wooden floors, the weight is distributed evenly across the joists.
Do not site an aquarium in direct sunlight (it'll overheat in summer and grow too much algae!), opposite doorways or near radiators. A quiet recess, where you can control its lighting, is preferable and, of course, there should be a power socket nearby!
Should you have an alcove just begging for an aquarium to be installed, remember that whilst you could tailor-make an aquarium to fit exactly, you must leave enough room around it to make maintenance easy.
Please refer to Aquarium Management Care Sheet No 4 for complete instructions on setting up a complete aquarium.
© FBAS RCM/RDE Aquarium Management Care Sheet No 11 1/2
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Last updated July, 2005