Fake Sand Bed

C

Ceak

New member
I know alot of people have done this to their tanks using Starboard and Envirotex (epoxy) mixed with sand or aragonite but can't seem to find any info on the long term results...

I just want to be 100% sure that the Envirotex is totaly safe for the tank's inhabitants before doing it...

If you have any info or experience on fake sand beds please share!

thanks
 
You can likely use any 2 part epoxy. I think a lot of folks have used the "west systems" epoxy. I have used the epoxy made by US COMPOSITES, but not for that purpose. If you give them a call they will be able to offer you some more insite.

Most epoxy or polyurethane products become inert once the reaction (polymerization) is complete. Your only worry would be the yellowing of the plastic due to the UV from your lights. Many 2 part epoxy products have UV stabilizers in them. They may however slightly darken the finished product.

You can pour the mix into the bottom of the tank but may need to do so in layers, so that it does not expand or stress the bottom or side glass. The vendor can again help you here, as different mixes behave differently.

I have also read about people making their substrate removable, but I would be worried about the trapped water getting nasty under it. This may not be an issue though.


Bean
 
Just did this with the envirotex lite two part epoxy. Worked like a charm,

I'm not worried about UV as it is buried under 16 inches of water and will be covered with algea of one kind or another.

Can't comment about the long term, but seems safe to me and that's all I worried about.
 
only flaw with 2 part epoxies is you need to be sure to use many different mixing buckets and dont scrape the sides. if any bits are unmixed, they wont cure and will be hazardous. singal part resins might be better for that reason.

Id put it onto a sheet of starboard personally. on anything large anyway. larger the tank, the larger the bottom, more area is going to be more expansion, heat, contraction, ect, it will amplify the difference in expansion rates of the epoxy vs glass/acrylic and could cause cracking. having it removable and unbonded lets it expand. and if it goes bad and gets coated in algea or something, you have recourse.
 
I read a guy on RC who put the epoxy in his tank and when it expanded, it caused some pretty serious damage to the bottom pane of glass.

I have seen people make walls/template of clay or plastic on a table and then pour the epoxy in it, wait to dry, then place it in the tank like the starboard. I don't think he had a problem....but like you said, it's hard to find the long term info.

It seems that it just covers with coraline or an encrusting type of coral. I've seen zoos, gsp and xenia cover it as well.
 
I am going to go with Starboard + 2 part epoxy, just gonna make sure it's well mixed...

I will apply the mix onto the starboard outside of the tank and once fully cured I will then cut it in half (I have a center brace). Once in the tank, I will seal the contours and stick both halves together using clear silicone... how does that sound?

I also would like to have some mounds in the sand, it would be nicer than a flat, even sand bed... not quite sure how I will create the mounds though...:confused:
 
Envirotex lite/aragonite here. . . 18 months later and no ill effects on my SPS reef. The only "issue" is that one corner lifted slightly and as a result detrious collects under the corner (verified this by looking from the bottom of the tank.)
 
Nice!! Someone with experience!! I now have a couple of questions for you... :)

1 - Did you silicone the edges to prevent anything from going under?

2 - did you make bumps in the sand or is it flat?

3 - Did you leave a bit of lose sand on top?

4 - Do you have alot of Coralline growing on the FSB? If so, do you remove it and how?

5 - Do you have pics? :D

Thanks!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

H
Need sanity check on Deep Sand Bed Cleaning
Replies
3
Views
159
wvned
wvned
R
clean up crew for sand bed
Replies
2
Views
198
ReefTankAllTheWay
R
Beadz
How to keep rock off sand bed
Replies
6
Views
358
Paul B
Paul B
NancyT3
Stocking advice and sequence to add
Replies
10
Views
574
NancyT3
NancyT3
L
Should have known better.
Replies
2
Views
299
lb013
L
Back
Top