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

[kbreese]

Isn't this all just going to be for not, when the corraline just covers it like glass and acrylic?

I like your idea, but it seems it will look good only very temporary.

Rob

I posted the sand bed that I did (not taking credit for the idea for the record) in my local forum here on RC and someone said the same thing, but the main purpose really is to protect the bottom glass, same as starboard. Sure a lot of it will probably become covered in corraline eventually but in the meantime it looks great and by that time many people will also have a lot of rock and corals covering a lot of it too, so I don't think it will look funny or anything, and I am sure you will still be able to at least see parts of the sand.

When you compare cost vs starboard its pretty similar actually, so it just depends on what you prefer to do. For my 75g I went the starboard route (just orderdered some) b/c I wanted to have the option to just take out the starboard for weight reduction if I have to move the tank. Or if I sell it I can just take it right out for anyone who plans a real sand bed. Obviously the faux sandbed is permanent and probably best for smaller tanks or tanks you are sure you will never move or sell it etc....

 

[doody]

Just wondering how this experiment/project has been going

 

[shred5]

Yea did you ever hear back from the manufacturer?

Dave

 

[kbreese]

From what I know Matt was assured it wouldnt leach any chemicals back into the water.

After I did mine it sat and cured for about 9-10 days and just this past weekend I put in saltwater, LR and fish. and everything is doing fine and it looks great. I'd post a pic but my home computer isnt up and running yet.

 

[mikeo1210]

Hey this is awesome. How's it going?

 

[mikeo1210]

Have you gotten corraline growth on the top? Have you been able to remove it?

 

[Tremelle]

As I think about the product, it would be easy to make a removable "sand bed". All you would need to do is take the inside bottom dimensions of your tank. Divide the dimensions in half and make a mold out of cardboard. Fill the mold two seperate times to make 2 pieces. That would allow you to make the artificial sand bed removable and easily installed in two pieces.

 

[doody]

Do I see someone selling these in the future? Instant SB.

 

[onthefly]

As for the different types of resin..........polyester resin is lighter than epoxy, but is far more brittle.....example: surf boards use PE resin....much lighter, but after awhle they develope stress cracks. Niether will yellow, unless they are expose to "intense" UV (like a boat on the ocean) and then it is over time.

For this application, or the making of removable pieces, epoxy is the way to go!

 

[mattjk]

welp, my pico tank is doing extremely well. Absolutely no aglae problems like I experienced before with the sand bed... and I'm using a 7500K bulb.

 

[mattjk]

Have you gotten corraline growth on the top? Have you been able to remove it?

I'm getting some really dark coralline in the faux bed... the snail is'nt making a dent on it, and I can't scrape it off. Looks better than a bare-bottom anyhow.

 

[Cody Ray]

One word, urchin, lol! Of course, you won't have ANY coralline algae, but then again, shouldn't your rock be covered with corals instead of algae?

onthefly so epoxy is the best way to secure the sand to the bottom? Any brands that you know for a fact that will be reef-safe? I want to try this on a 20 long that I have been thinking of setting up for kicks. The sand bed will be faux, the rock will be a ocean-based base rock, and filtration will be provided by a CPR hang-on refugium full of macro and sand. The aquarium is soley for corals.

 

[ol'salty]

Reef safe

Reef safe

Being a firefighter and having to deal with hazardous materials, ALL manufactured products from windex, to latex paint, to batteries ect. by law, have MSDS's, (material safety data sheet) that contains chemical information, reactivity and health/safety information. These are not given to the end user at time of purchase. They are however shipped to the retailer in the shipping container. When you purchase the product, ask the sales clerk if they have an MSDS on this item. Here, retailers are SUPPOSED to keep an MSDS on hand for ALL chemical compounds that they stock. If not, you may request an MSDS from the manufacturer, whom must supply that info BY LAW! MSDS are real handy and informative to have! I hope this helps you fine folks gather the info that you seek.

 

[kbreese]

just for the record my tank has been going a month now with this faux sandbed and no problems at all.....

 

[onthefly]

Epoxy is definitely the way to go if there is any possibility of flexing!!!!

Like ol' salty says, get an MSDS!!!! However, unless you have a degree in organic chemistry, don't freak when you see some of the components. All resins give of VOC's and other nasties as they cure, once cured, they should be good to go!

Although this is anecdotal, I know Scripps Aquarium in La Jolla has used "West Systems" Epoxy for their tanks inn the past. You can get it at any of the West Marine Products (not affiliated with west systems) stores or online.

 

[Cody Ray]

Good info there ol'salty, thanks for chiming in!

 

[reeftechie]

update, have you heard from them? please post.

Thanks,
Rt

 

[gqjeff]

I am watching this thread myself.... VERY VERY interesting..

 

[gqjeff]

Anybody have and idea how much I will need for a 240?

 

[gqjeff]

I am getting 64 ounces for my 240... 96*24" That cool anybody know?