Bare bottom PVC board vs Marine Grade Starboard

[Sage]

So im starting up a red sea 425 XL and been toying with the BB idea more and more all these wwc and brs videos are getting to me! Ive seen most people use star board but while looking for some i came across these pvc boards on line wouldn't that be kind of the same concept? Thanks for reading and your responses would be appreciated.

 

[miPapareef]

High density polyethylene (HDPE) is a better choice because it is more dimensionally stable, but either will work. I built my skimmer stands out of HDPE and I think it grows less algae than the pvc pipes, acrylic skimmer bodies, or the pump plastic bodies.

 

[Sage]

High density polyethylene (HDPE) is a better choice because it is more dimensionally stable, but either will work. I built my skimmer stands out of HDPE and I think it grows less algae than the pvc pipes, acrylic skimmer bodies, or the pump plastic bodies.

Thank you for your insight. Do you use black or white?

 

[Sage]

Im finding some of these (HDPE) boards are "not UV stabilized" that seems like it could be a problem down the road due to the nature of reefing and us blasting all kinds of light in our aquariums. Any thoughts on that?

 

[miPapareef]

I used the white and it’s has a textured surface. Here’s some pics from last August. I clean the skimmer and pumps every few months in vinigar but had not cleaned the starboard skimmer stand. So even through the algae looks similar it’s definitely less on the starboard.

 

[Sage]

Looks great, do you know if you got UV stabilized or not?

 

[Jonreefer]

I am using the texture black abs. I ordered it custom cut for my 40B 35 3/16x 17 3/16 from tap plastic in the .118” thickness for $30 shipped. Same thickness as the stuff brs sells it’s the exact same stuff but was cut perfectly for my setup and a lot cheaper.

 

[miPapareef]

I used the regular white and I don’t think you need UV stability in an aquarium.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VKLPB7U/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_6zEtCbHBDJP5N

 

[Sage]

I am using the texture black abs. I ordered it custom cut for my 40B 35 3/16x 17 3/16 from tap plastic in the .118” thickness for $30 shipped. Same thickness as the stuff brs sells it’s the exact same stuff but was cut perfectly for my setup and a lot cheaper.

Can you give me the link for that please? Did you get it cut even to your overflow?

 

[Jonreefer]

https://www.tapplastics.com/product/plastics/plastic_sheets_rolls/abs_sheets/524
I have an eshopps eclipse overflow. So it is drilled on the back of the tank. not the bottom so there was nothing to cut around. They dont have options for cuts like that