Glass and acrylic have very limited flexibility. They’re designed to evenly distribute the load of water and substrate across the entire bottom panel. If pressure becomes excessive in one area, it can result in a break or seal failure.
To prevent leaks, cracks, or long-term structural stress, your aquarium must sit on a surface that is flat, level, and fully supported. This guide explains how to prepare your setup correctly and protect your warranty.
Every Blue Zone aquarium includes a precision-cut, high-density foam leveling mat. You must use it during setup.
Distributes the tank’s weight evenly across the base
Compensates for minor surface imperfections
Reduces pressure points that can compromise glass or seals
Not using the leveling mat will void your warranty.
It is not designed to correct warped, bowed, or uneven stands.
Blue Zone stands are engineered specifically for aquarium use and include adjustable leveling feet.
To install:
Place a bubble level directly on the stand’s top surface
Check level front to back, side to side, and diagonally
Adjust the leveling feet until the surface is perfectly level
Blue Zone stand tops are factory-machined flat — there is no need to check for warping or bowing.
Just because a stand is strong doesn’t mean it’s suitable. Strength alone does not guarantee that it’s flat or level.
Flatness Comes First
Use a metal straightedge or carpenter’s level across the top surface
If you see dips, raised corners, or gaps — do not use the stand
The leveling mat cannot compensate for a warped or twisted surface
Then Check for Level
Use a bubble level to check in all directions
Shimming may be acceptable only if the stand is designed to allow it
Important Caution on Shimming
We do not recommend shimming any stand that sits directly on the floor and does not have legs or feet.
These stands rely on full ground contact to support the aquarium’s weight evenly. Shimming just part of the base can introduce twist stress, frame distortion, or uneven pressure.
This kind of damage may not be visible right away — but it can lead to failure over time.
Doing so is at your own risk and may void your warranty.
We strongly recommend against using household furniture to support any aquarium — regardless of size.
Most furniture is not designed to:
Handle the concentrated weight of a filled aquarium
Withstand moisture exposure over time
Support long-term static loads without flexing or sagging
Improper support can cause structural failure and will void your warranty.
Surface is flat — no dips, bows, or high corners
Surface is level in all directions
Stand or furniture is rigid and stable under load
High-density foam leveling mat is installed
Aquarium sits flush and is evenly supported across the bottom panel
A potential failure may not be obvious at first. However, when an aquarium is placed on an uneven or improperly supported surface, the static load of water and substrate can create stress concentrations. Over time, this may result in material creep, subtle warping, and eventual failure of the tank or stand.
Blue Zone’s warranty will be void if the aquarium is installed on an uneven, unsupported, or improperly leveled surface — or if the foam leveling mat is not used.
Third-party warranty coverage may also be voided by improper installation.
