Starboard.

[daytonben]

I've been reading through the 'Barebottom' threads and keep coming across people using different polymer-based plastics for tank bottoms.

Starboard seems to be the most popular.
Could anyone with experience in these chime in here with some pics please.

Also, a number of questions:

1. Can it be melted / formed? Anyone ever try shaping starboard to make a 'custom' bottom with hills and valleys? Or maybe an irregular shaped back panel that you could drill through and attach rock / corals to?

2. If you have purchased Starboard, what color did you go with? I looked at the manufacturer's site (King, I think it was.) and they have 8 shades of white. I'm wondering what looks good under reef lighting...

3. If you did purchase some, where did ya get it? How much did it cost.

4. Has anyone tried the different textures that Starboard comes in? Easier / harder to clean?

5. I see that it is manufactured in 4 or 5 different 'types'. Is one better or worse for aquarium applications?

Thanks all. Trying to get more info out there about alternative substrates.

 

[Logzor]

This is what you need:

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/pr...e=usplastic&category_name=72&product_id=10369

The description says that it can be heat formed, etc.

Forget "Starboard". It is a brand name that is much more expensive and not needed for reef applications.

 

[sbreefer]

JJ (TOTM Feb) has used it in the past but now uses black cast acrylic. I do too and it works great stays super black. can just rest on bottom under the rocks. can be put in the tank in sections. I have have it both on the bottom and on the back. looks really slick. dont have a photo handy tho. gotta have a ton of water movement to keep all detritus in suspension read about JJ's system in the bcak issue here:


http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2009-02/totm/index.php

Tim

 

[smatter]

Leave the bottom bare and the cutting board in the kitchen. I have never in over twenty years heard of one tank breaking because of falling rocks. Just build a solid and stable structure.

 

[bljohnson]

1) Keep it flat. You don't want detritus getting trapped underneath your starboard and breaking down.

2) I went with a white color in hopes it will reflect light back up. I purchased mine from cuttingboardcompany.com

3) It is kind of expensive. Also get it in 3 pieces to make it easier to put in the tank. The stuff floats.

4) I got the standard cutting board texture and my tank has been set up for about 4 months now and is starting to get coated with coralline. I think the "roughness" of the cutting board also provides some grip for the rocks not to move.

5) Just don't get any of the ones with built in "antibacterial" properties.