Bare bottom questions

[Sith2095]

I am currently woring to set up a 40B bare bottom. I am going to start the stand this weekend and get the tank drilled and ready for a sump. My first question is about the actual bottom of the tank. I know alot of people use starboard, however I really dont want to use that if I can avoid it. Does anyone else have any ideas for options? I really dont plan on having rock stacked since I am looking at trying to do more flat pieces, but you know how plans can change. I wouldnt think the rock would fall over, but I guess it isnt really worth the risk of breaking the glass if I can find something different to use.

I have heard some people use travertine tile, but I would worry about possible leaching of chemicals.......

My goal is to have zoa's and maybe some shrooms or polyps growing across the bottom.

Thanks.

 

[jgoodrich71]

I have run tanks in the past bare bottom, rock sitting directly on the glass. I never had any problems, nor have I ever heard of anyone's tank breaking from having rock sitting directly on the bottom. Mine was covered in coraline. I am currently resetting up an old tank, and am cycling it bare bottom. I would keep it bare, but I want to keep some wrasses that sleep in the sand.

 

[Reefin' Dude]

i used a FSB. epoxy embedded sand slurry.

here is a link to my DIY.

G~

 

[cloak]

You can always use epoxy, zip ties, or pegs to keep the rock structure from falling over.

 

[Reefdogs]

I used acrylic rods in various diameter. Drilled into the rock and glued them in place.
All my rock about 2" off the glass bottom which makes it so easy to siphon and see any debris that is easily removed.
I even used the rods to stack/ connect rock on top of each other

 

[Sith2095]

Reefdogs....you said your rock is about 2" off the glass bottom? What are you using to keep it off the bottom? I have seen some people us PVC, but wasnt sure if that was the best way.