Cade Installation
PRE-INSTALLATION INFORMATION
Engineering & Construction Standards
CADE aquariums are intentionally over-engineered and constructed using anti-corrosive aluminium frames, high-grade float glass (low iron), and premium German WACKER® 121 aquarium-grade silicone. Glass thickness exceeds minimum theoretical requirements to minimise panel deflection (bowing) and allow a thicker structural silicone bead between bonded surfaces, increasing adhesion area and long-term stability.
Why Correct Levelling Is Critical
Rimless aquariums rely entirely on silicone seam integrity. If a cabinet is not level or load is unevenly distributed, torsional stress may be introduced into the base panel. Over time, base torsion may cause uneven load distribution and increased strain on vertical silicone seams, including both compression and expansion forces, potentially resulting in panels attempting to pull away from each other. Silicone is designed to operate within a neutral stress range. Improper levelling shifts seams outside this range and may gradually fatigue bonded joints.
Structural Responsibility
Aquarium systems are extremely heavy once filled. It is the sole responsibility of the customer to confirm that the floor or foundation is structurally suitable to support the full system load. Homes built on timber stumps, piers, elevated joists or suspended subfloors are more prone to movement and require ongoing monitoring. Installation constitutes acceptance of responsibility for structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of the floor or foundation.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
System Levelling & Tank Installation Procedure
Application: All CADE Aluminum Cabinets.
The following procedure must be completed prior to filling the aquarium. Failure to follow these instructions may introduce torsional stress into the cabinet structure and aquarium base panel.
Cabinet Positioning
Place the cabinet in its intended final location.
Before commencing levelling:
- Confirm the floor surface is clean and free of debris.
- Ensure all adjustable feet are threaded correctly and free to rotate.
Rear central feed are more difficult to adjust due to access. Refer to Section 2 for more information on methods.
Rear central uprights are structural support members and must not be left unadjusted.
Establish Full Adjustable Foot Contact (Critical)
Every adjustable foot must:
- Be in firm contact with the floor.
- Share load evenly.
- Not be floating.
- Not be partially loaded.
This includes:
- All corner uprights.
- All central uprights (including rear central supports).
Use a torch if necessary to visually confirm contact.
A simple confirmation method:
Gently attempt to slide a thin sheet of paper under each foot. If it slides freely, the foot is not supporting load.
No foot may remain disengaged prior to proceeding.
Primary Levelling Procedure (Before Tank Installation)
Use a high-quality spirit level. Digital or laser levels may also be used. Phone applications are not recommended as the sole levelling reference.
Step A – Level Left to Right (Front Horizontal Support)
- Place the spirit level across the front horizontal support frame.
- Adjust the appropriate adjustable feet incrementally until the bubble is centred.
- Make small adjustments only (¼ turn increments recommended).
- Re-check after each adjustment.
Step B – Level Left to Right (Rear Horizontal Support)
- Move the spirit level to the rear horizontal support frame.
- Repeat the levelling process independently.
- The rear must be level independent of the front.
Front and rear horizontal supports must both read level individually. If front and rear readings differ, this indicates frame torsion.
Step C – Level Front to Back (Left Side)
- Place the spirit level along the left side of the cabinet frame.
- Adjust front or rear feet as required.
- Make incremental changes only.
Step D – Level Front to Back (Right Side)
- Repeat on the right side.
- Confirm consistency between both sides.
Step E – Diagonal Twist Elimination (Torsion Check)
This step is critical.
- Place the spirit level diagonally from front-left to rear-right.
- Record the reading.
- Repeat from front-right to rear-left.
If diagonal readings differ, torsional stress is present within the cabinet frame.
Correct by:
- Adjusting opposing feet incrementally.
- Re-checking front, rear and side levels after each adjustment.
- Re-checking diagonals until both diagonal readings match.
Do not proceed until diagonal twist is eliminated.
Rear Central Adjustable Foot Access & Adjustment
Models with rear central adjustable feet are difficult to access once positioned against a wall.
The following methods are recommended:
Post-Adjustment Method
- After levelling the corners and front, pull cabinet forward from the wall to allow access.
- Adjust rear central feet until firmly contacting floor.
- Place cabinet into final position.
- Perform primary levelling sequence inspection and if required adjust feet accordingly to achieve a flat level foundation for the tank. (Section 1.3).
Rear central feet must carry load. They are not secondary supports. Failure to engage rear central supports may result in uneven load transfer and frame twist under load.
Installing the Aquarium onto the Cabinet
CADE recommends the use of professional-grade glass suction cup lifting devices when placing the aquarium onto the cabinet.
This ensures:
- Controlled placement.
- Reduced handling stress.
- Reduced risk of edge impact.
When lowering the aquarium:
- Ensure it is centred correctly.
- Avoid sliding the aquarium across the cabinet surface.
Post-Placement Level Verification
After placing the tank:
- Check level across the tank rim (left to right).
- Check front to back.
- Check both diagonals.
- You can also check internally on the base glass panel.
The internal base glass check confirms that the tank itself is not under torsional distortion.
If adjustment is required:
- Make small incremental adjustments.
- Re-check all directions after each adjustment with the objective to achieve a level cabinet with a flat surface and even foam compression.
Note: Large single-corner adjustments can introduce twist.
Final Pre-Fill Inspection
Before filling:
- Confirm all adjustable feet remain firmly contacting the floor.
- Confirm the cabinet does not excessively rock or move.
Note: Minor frame movement is normal on Aluminum cabinets. However, excessive rocking indicates uneven support and must be corrected.
Post-Fill Structural Verification
After filling the aquarium:
- Re-check level in all directions.
- Inspect cabinet stability.
- Inspect foam compression along the entire perimeter.
Foam Compression Inspection (Critical)
The base foam must be:
- Evenly compressed around the full perimeter.
- Uniform in compression depth.
- Free from visible gaps between foam and tank base.
Warning signs:
- Excessive compression at one corner.
- Noticeably uneven compression.
- Gaps between foam and base glass.
Gaps indicate unsupported areas. Operation must not continue until corrected.
Ongoing Settlement Monitoring
Floors may settle over time, particularly:
- Timber floors on stumps.
- Suspended floors.
- New builds.
- Renovated structures.
Owners must:
- Routinely re-check tank levelling.
- Monitor foam compression.
- Inspect adjustable feet.
- Make incremental adjustments if settlement is detected.
Failure to actively monitor the signs of floor movement may introduce progressive torsional stress and voids warranty.
