Is there an altenative to "Starboard"???

[phillipstreeter]

I have an 180 gallon tank that I do not want to put sand in the bottom of. What other material can I use that would be more cost affective? The star board I have gotten quotes for is very expensive for the size I need. Local home improvement stores have fiberglass & pvc boards available but I am nervous about using one of these without knowing if it would be ok. I know for a fact that the starboard is used by almost everyone who has a bare bottom tank, just looking for another way.....

 

[kcsalt]

Everyone I know who has a BB tank doesn't use anything. You maybe able to use some eggcrate and just position the rock so it doesn't show.

 

[Kbean]

If your going BB you could use the foam rock tech. Just make a foot for the base of the touching rocks. Spray some on a flat surface then press the base of the rock in it.

 

[das75]

BB and no Starboard here.

 

[Acrylics]

Starboard is just UV stabilized high density polyethylene, similar to cutting board material, in fact many do use cutting board material (HDPE) Another brand is called Seaboard, same stuff as Starboard but comes in thinner 1/4" sheets and is less expensive. You can use just plain ol' polyethylene available at any plastics shop. PVC is fine as well, just more expensive.

Most folks that run BB don't use anything though, in time the floor of the tank gets covered anyway.

James

 

[OodleyBoodely]

I set up a tank using pvc cement with crushed coral embedded into it. Worked well, but, the crushed coral tended to break off and it was very rough. It tended to trap detritus due to its roughness. If I did it again, I would just mix sand with the pvc cement and pour into the bottom for a solid, smoother finish. This could also be done in a mould if you don't want to make it a permanent part of the tank bottom. It only took about 3 days for the pvc cement to completely dry, but, I gave mine a week before putting water in it. It looked really good and soon looked just like live rock.

 

[phillipstreeter]

thanks for the ideas...they make a fiberglass pannel board at the local. just wanted to know if it was safe to use...its only 23 dollars a sheet

 

[phillipstreeter]

just trying to make sure if somthing falls or jagged rocks ...the tank is more money than the board...

 

[phillipstreeter]

Thanks///////////////////////

 

[Navymedic]

I have a 1/4"/24"/54" board, was gonna use it for a project but do not need it.

LMK I'll sell for what I paid or trade for corals..

Mike