Idea for Faux sand bed. Envirotex Lite high gloss finish.

[Mantis]

Wish me luck, I will be doing this to my new 400 gallon tank soon.

I'm going to be applying it to 2 pieces of Starboard so it can be removed if necessary.

I have seen people ask about a ratio of sand to epoxy. I have found 1 part epoxy to one part sand mixed together. Poured into the tank, and sprinkled with another one part of sand works really well.

 

[Timbo]

has anyone done epoxy/sand beds with a thin layer of sand on top of the bed? I'd think a thin layer of sand (1/2" or less) won't be much of a hassle, will help look more natural and will prevent coraline from growing on the bed. Right?

 

[Joseph Botelho]

I will be using this techique on my 500 gal tank. It will be done in 4 sections. I was thinking of silconing the edges all around so as to not have any junk accumulate under the starboard. What do you think about this?

 

[luckycat]

I will be using this techique on my 500 gal tank. It will be done in 4 sections. I was thinking of silconing the edges all around so as to not have any junk accumulate under the starboard. What do you think about this?

That is what I did, I have two sections of starboard with an epoxy/crushed shell/sand mix, after putting on the bottom used silicone around the edges and between the two, then sprinkled some crushed coral on the silicone down the middle to give it more of a uniform look.

If I want I have the option of removing the bottom in the future, have to cut off the silicone but at least I have the option.

 

[Joseph Botelho]

yeah that is what i will be doing. I did a small test section and I like the look more with the sand sprinkled over before it dries looks more natural.
I'm wondering why bother mixing in the aragonite in the epoxy. I could probably just spread the epoxy mix on the starboard and then cover the epoxy with aragonite tap it in, let it dry then shake of the excess. There really is no need for it to be a thick coat.

 

[rscdragon]

I just did mine on star board and it turned out awsome. I will post pics tomorrow.

 

[asnatlas]

I just did mine on star board and it turned out awsome. I will post pics tomorrow.

Pics, Pics, Pics take some closer up shots also, how long has your star board been in your tank ??

Shawn

 

[edwar050]

I just did my 55 as well, turned out very nice. I used Famowood High Gloss Epoxy from home depot on two removable sheets of 1/8 in acrylic removable panes from home depot. The acrylic sheets are a much cheaper alternative to starboard.

 

[rscdragon]

Here are some pics. This tank is in the process of being set up so there are no pics with water.

 

[rtwoody4]

rscdragon did you pour it on the board in or out of the tank

 

[rscdragon]

I did it out side of the tank. I did't want to get any on the glass.

 

[rtwoody4]

How did you keep the edges straight and from going over the edge. I wanted to do that with my 180

 

[rscdragon]

I wrapped the edges with duct tape as a boarder. I also mixed the sand epoxy mix to a thick oat meal consistancy. it did spill over some so I had to gind some of the excess of with a phenmatic sander.

 

[luckycat]

I wrapped the edges with duct tape as a boarder. I also mixed the sand epoxy mix to a thick oat meal consistancy. it did spill over some so I had to gind some of the excess of with a phenmatic sander.

I did the same thing, use duct tape as the border. I did also have some spill-over, but used a razor blade to cut off the hardened epoxy (some drips on the bottom) and then a carbide-tip circular saw to cut down the sides if required.

rscdragon - yours looks great, very similar to mine but I cloudied mine up by sprinkling sand on top that then sank into the epoxy. In some areas I have just the original epoxy/crushed coral mix and it looks just like yours.

 

[rscdragon]

Thanks Luckycat, I used just carib sea speical grade reef sand. My mix was pretty thick. I wanted enough to coat all the granuales so it will allow them to stick to one another. This why it would eliminate excess epoxy. But I did put more on the top to settle in to the top layer. I did;t want a glassey look.

 

[xpyder]

I just did my 55 as well, turned out very nice. I used Famowood High Gloss Epoxy from home depot on two removable sheets of 1/8 in acrylic removable panes from home depot. The acrylic sheets are a much cheaper alternative to starboard.

When you use the acrylic sheets, wasn't it deformed or warped due to the heat produced by the epoxy? I'm very intereted too in doing this.

 

[esotsm1]

awesome idea. anybody who did this last summer have any long-term updates?

 

[joeychitwood]

I'm curious about how the epoxy/sand looks after a few months. Does anyone have any photos or descriptions of how your base looks after a few months? Any unforeseen problems?

 

[asnatlas]

Going to do this soon...

Going to do this soon...

I have some Envirotex Lite in hand, and I am looking to do this some time in the near future... I will post pics and keep you all updated.

Shawn

 

[Red Sea Purple Tang]

Hey Edwar050~ How did the thin acrylic hold up when you did yours?