High flow, sand or faux

gkq325286

In Memoriam
My 220 is quickly getting to the point of "decide now" The plan has been to put in a faux sand bed on sheets of acrylic. This is beacause it will be high flow sps and I don't want to deal with sand bed movement. The alternating current of the tank would prevent it from settling. As I was getting ready to cut a $35 sheet of acrylic to use $30 worth of glue to put $5 worth of sand it my tank I was beginging to wonder why not put the faux sand bed right on the tank. The amount of weight this would add to a 220 isn't worth worrying about. The tank is so heavy as it is, whats a few more lbs. If I one day decide I don't like the faux sand I can put regular sand right on top of the faux one. So why not?
 
I have heard of people doing this directly on the glass. But I have also heard horror stories of the bottom of the tanks blowing out because of the heat and or the shrinkage of the epoxy used to mix with the sand. Personally I would rather use the acrylic on a nice large tank like that because the $30 for the acrylic is way cheaper than purchasing a new tank.
 
I think your right. Would really suck to loose the tank. Seems like the issues are few and far between, but I don't want to be one of the issues. The acrylic it is.
 
I did faux to HDPE in my 400. PM me if you'd like to come by and see the tank. You can get all items locally in Rockford.

BTW, I'd highly recommend you not use acrylic, as it will possibly bow and/or warp. HDPE is a much better option and does not warp, expand or contract in contact with water.

Acrylic also does not silicone well to glass, at least not well enough IME to keep it stuck to the glass of the aquarium.

Bryan
 
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Yes, HDPE (Starboard) is available in Rockford, at many of the local plastic shops. I will PM you where I purchased a 1.5" thick 4'x8' sheet in November last year.

Bryan
 

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