Egg crate under live rock?

[HUNTER1]

Getting ready to put some live rock. Is it a good idea to lay down egg crate under live rock and is the entire bottom? Also, how deep is the sandbed should be? thanks

 

[a.browning]

I put down a sheet of eggcrate across the bottom of my tank. It spreads out the weight of the live rock on the bottom glass, and helps keep the rock from shifting around. I think it's a smart idea, certainly can't hurt.

I did about 1" sandbed. On my old tank, I did about 3-4", definately wouldn't do that again. Not necessary, leads to gas buildup, and becomes a nutrient sink.

 

[BigBarnacles]

As long as you put the live rock down before the sand eggcrate isn't necessary. However, if you are sold on using eggcrate then just cut it to fit under the live rock. Don't cover the entire bottom. As far as depth of your sand bed, are you planning on ever keeping a Wrasse or Goby? If so, I'd recommend a 3 inch sandbed. If not then 2 inches should be fine.

 

[HUNTER1]

Yeah I would like to avoid the sharp rocks touching the glass. Ill just do the part under the rocks and I like the 2" sand bed.

 

[stingythingy45]

Had it under the whole bottom of my tank for over 4 years now.
No issues.

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

I always put plexi glass down,so my rocks touch the glass bottom.

 

[downbeach]

I have used it, but prefer starboard. Currently I don't have anything under my rock.

 

[AquaWave523]

make sure u get blk egg crates - ive read up that white egg crates may releaase phosphates.

 

[albano]

IMO...forget about eggcrate!...if you want to do it right, the rock does not belong on the bottom...they should be above the sand bed...drill the large base rocks and install plexi 'legs'

 

[HUNTER1]

I already bought the egg crate the white one and see what happens.

 

[johnc99]

make sure u get blk egg crates - ive read up that white egg crates may releaase phosphates.

Citation?

I'm curious as to how non-porous plastic can leach. Has this claim been tested? How was the experiment conducted? Were the control and test aquariums empty (except for the egg crate)? Did they use the same source water, same pumps, etc etc?

I would be more inclined to believe that something other the egg crate was responsible.

 

[Forrest3320]

where is the proof on the egg crate leaks....clearly 100s of people would have to disagree

 

[AquaWave523]

Citation?

I'm curious as to how non-porous plastic can leach. Has this claim been tested? How was the experiment conducted? Were the control and test aquariums empty (except for the egg crate)? Did they use the same source water, same pumps, etc etc?

I would be more inclined to believe that something other the egg crate was responsible.

do a search

 

[FlyFishGuy]

I used 100% silicone and made "feet" on the bottom of the base rocks. However, I also started with dead rock (dry) so I had the ability to get the structure made in larger sections before putting them into the tank. You could just make 100% silicone discs (like a ritz cracker size, but thicker) and use those for feet too. I did that under the return pump to cut vibration and it seems to have helped without having to worry about a nutrient trap.

I was hesitant to use the egg crate because I though it might impede mobility of the sandbed creatures or gas exchange. Not saying that was a relaistic concern - but that's what went through my mind.

 

[FlyFishGuy]

Oh yeah - make sure to let the stuff dry completely before submersing!

 

[Led Bizkit]

I have always used eggcrate under my sandbed. I have a 120 gal double overflow and laid a sheet across the whole bottom.

I have two pistol shrimps and two gobies and I dont need a rock crash even though my rocks have been planted very solid and balanced. Paranoid I guess lol. Better to be safe than sorry.

Good luck

 

[Wolverine]

I've used eggcrate (just the plain old white stuff) under my rocks for years. I don't think the weight distribution makes and difference. If the pressure from a rock is going to damage the bottom, that tank is doomed anyway (I don't count scratches, because I don't see any reason to care if the bottom is scratched).
I like it for the stability of the rock work.

 

[sail33]

If egg crate can leach chems into the tank, why can't everything plastic do the same? I know there's "food grade" and "non food grade" but the point seems over kill. Even food grade plastics leach something. White is the "natural color " of most plastics and everything else is dyed. Egg crate is used in so many applications and various amounts in so many tanks problems would reported. If not egg crate, what would you shim the skimmer with? What about separation in the sump?

In my opinion, crate the entire bottom, then place rocks . I think that adds stability. I think deep sand beds are now shown to be a bad idea. So a cpl inches should do it. If you disturb a deep sand bed you can crash the tank. I've never heard of egg crate crashing a tank.