The best material for BB tank

[120reefermadnes]

Im stuck on what to use to put on the bottom of the tank

Do I need to seal it down or just lay it there and put rocks on top?

I def want to go BB but want it done right the first time and want the bottom of the tank to look prety seemless not like tile were you can see all the squares

Thanks guys!

 

[DgenR8]

Starboard is what you want. A quick search here will turn up a wealth of information.

 

[Uncle Luke]

Definitely starboard

 

[rovster]

Starboard. Although, if done right, tiles can look good as well.

 

[jimlin]

starboard is the way to go. silicone the bottom edges so detritus wont get stuck under the starboard.

 

[120reefermadnes]

starboard is the way to go. silicone the bottom edges so detritus wont get stuck under the starboard.

Is starboard at homedepot or lowes or is it special order?

Can anyone second the option of siliconeing it down?

Thanks guys?

 

[Uncle Luke]

Silicone may be a waste of effort... I tried it on my tank and the silicone wouldn't stick to the starboard... Works just fine without it and there's BARELY any detritus underneath.

 

[illal]

I think you can find Starboard at a boating supply store

 

[RarefiedAir24]

Yes on the starboard, otherwise can be found as or referred to this: http://www.interstateplastics.com/Black-Hdpe-Sheet-HDPBE.php?sku=HDPBE&vid=201107061250-8p&dim2=12&dim3=12&thickness=1.000&qty=1

I have used it both with silicone and without, didn't notice much of any detritus buildup without silicone but did notice the silicone doesn't adhere very well to the starboard.

Frank

 

[nivram]

I think you can find Starboard at a boating supply store

Check Craig'slist too! It any acrylic shop. Actually acrylic or PVC board might be other alternatives to look into. The PVC sheet might actually be cheaper than starboard.

 

[AquamanE]

Check Craig'slist too! It any acrylic shop. Actually acrylic or PVC board might be other alternatives to look into. The PVC sheet might actually be cheaper than starboard.

Marvin- You have all these cheaper alternatives. Your the MAN!!!:hammer:

 

[Stylo328]

Just glass. That's what nice done on the last four tanks with no issues.

 

[jimlin]

Is starboard at homedepot or lowes or is it special order?

Can anyone second the option of siliconeing it down?

Thanks guys?

you can find it at boating stores, plastic stores and culinary stores.

 

[treetopflyn]

Just glass. That's what nice done on the last four tanks with no issues.

Bare glass just doesn't look good in my opinion. I have yet to see a tank that looks good with just bare glass. At least with starboard it gives the natural appearance of sand.

 

[120reefermadnes]

How thick should the starboard be?

 

[Stylo328]

Bare glass just doesn't look good in my opinion. I have yet to see a tank that looks good with just bare glass. At least with starboard it gives the natural appearance of sand.

Typically gets covered in polyps, cyphastrea, and coralline

 

[Uncle Luke]

How thick should the starboard be?

I've always used 1/2 inch. Works great!

 

[treetopflyn]

Typically gets covered in polyps, cyphastrea, and coralline

I know I've seen many. None have ever ever looked natural to me. At least with starboard it gives the "appearance" of sand and look somewhat natural.

 

[SaltyReefs]

Home Depot Carries starboard. For it to really stick you need to lay down a really thick layer of silicone.