Lunchbucket
Premium Member
dang that would suck if it does let go!!
Lunchbucket
Lunchbucket
the 1700g stingray reef
- Thread starter spazz
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hahnmeister
In Memoriam
I was thinking 'cinder blocks' myself with all that space.
Would it be possible to add sand and smaller bits of rock as you are creating the foam dealio? Add a layer of foam, then a layer of rock and sand, them more foam? It could add weight if not completely keep it submerged. I have yet to work with the foam stuff, so I have no idea.
As far as connecting PVC legs to racks, could you integrate the PVC legs and racks (PVC legs attached to PVC cross members) connected to shelves with zip ties, and then foaming the entire structure to protect from UV as well as hide it? Could you also hollow the foam structure out to detract from the buoyancy?
Nice idea with the milk crate, btw.
As far as connecting PVC legs to racks, could you integrate the PVC legs and racks (PVC legs attached to PVC cross members) connected to shelves with zip ties, and then foaming the entire structure to protect from UV as well as hide it? Could you also hollow the foam structure out to detract from the buoyancy?
Nice idea with the milk crate, btw.
jnarowe
New member
Well not many people have room for milk crates in their tank but it seemed to be a logical solution for me. As far as layering the foam and rock, that really wouldn't work IMO because the foam cannot be disturbed while curing or it will collapse. It would be imposible to layer enough rock and sand anyway to overcome the boyancy I am sure.
Hollowing the foam I think would be too difficult as well. The object is to create a non-uniform layer on which to attach sand, but being just a layer there really isn't enough depth to be hollowed out.
Keep in mind I am merely commenting on how my foam work is done, and I don't know if Energy has used different methods.
Hollowing the foam I think would be too difficult as well. The object is to create a non-uniform layer on which to attach sand, but being just a layer there really isn't enough depth to be hollowed out.
Keep in mind I am merely commenting on how my foam work is done, and I don't know if Energy has used different methods.
hahnmeister
In Memoriam
I wouldnt worry about the UV. The UV that makes plastic degrade is filtered in the forst few inches of seawater...
The cinderblocks? I have seen them used in african cichlid tanks. They prolly do contain some fly ash, but they are dry cured for a long time. They arent that much different than using aragacrete. In a system as large as Energy's, I doubt that the small amount that would be needed would be of great impact.
The cinderblocks? I have seen them used in african cichlid tanks. They prolly do contain some fly ash, but they are dry cured for a long time. They arent that much different than using aragacrete. In a system as large as Energy's, I doubt that the small amount that would be needed would be of great impact.
hahnmeister
In Memoriam
That is a good idea...you could buy those little acrylic cubes, drill a hole in them, and weldon-3 them to the bottom of the acrylic when the tank is dry. Disadvantages? Well, working on the sandbed migt be tricky with all those little cubes in the way...kinda like trying to use a snow-plow on a gravel road. Placement might also be tricky since you would be mounting the cubes when the tank is dry and have to guess where to put them. The 'weighted' idea makes moving pieces and such much easier to do later on.
Perhaps just making large ceramic/aragacrete base rocks to weigh the PVC down at the base is a good idea.
Perhaps just making large ceramic/aragacrete base rocks to weigh the PVC down at the base is a good idea.
RedEyeReef
Active member
I used very little foam. I only applied it to the vertical posts, horizontal shelf edges and other areas that I could not hide with rock. My structure will probably stay in place from the weight of the rock alone. The two islands which have more foam and less rock will definately float - but oh well that's life. I wouldn't use the foam for solid pieces of rock just because of the bouyancy problem. If your in the initial design stages still just limit the amount of foam since it is extremely bouyant.
jnarowe
New member
yeah I did about the same thing. just on the edges that could be seen from the viewing room. I'll figure it out I am sure and I think the issue of boyancy is not a deal killer for me. The benefits out-weigh the negatives. I am really happy with the foam in my FW Planted tank. It makes the tank look much better and I believe aids in filtration much like any surface would. It really blends the rock, structures, and plants together well.
Lord Voldemort
New member
Abosolutely Astonishing :eek2: :eek1: :eek2:
Alaskan Reefer
New member
Amazing. Looks like I need to start planning for the next tank. My LFS has one of those blue spotted stingrays in right now and I've been wondering what kind of system realistically handles one. I only hope my next tank is 1/4 the size of this one...
Am I the only one who thinks that "knit pick" is the proper spelling?
LOL
Am I the only one who thinks that "knit pick" is the proper spelling?
LOL
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