Aquarium mats and underlays

Underlay mat

— an elastic sheet placed between the bottom of the aquarium and the supporting surface that smooths out minor local irregularities and protects the glass from point contacts. It does not compensate for a warped, weak, or insufficiently rigid stand. The size of the mat should correspond to the support area, while its thickness and material should match the weight and design of the specific aquarium. For tanks with a framed base, first check the manufacturer’s recommendations, as some models do not require a full-coverage mat.