Bare bottom tank

[ecam]

I'm planning on going bare bottom on my 180. One benefit that I just realized that a sandy bottom provides is shock absorption from accidentally rock slides or bumps. In a bare bottom tank how can u protect against the occasionally drop.

I read someone where about insulating the tank bottom from the stand with some kind of styrofoam. Any ideas?

 

[DSP]

Most people use starboard in there barebottom tanks.but it can get kinda pricey for a tank that size.but works great seems to be the number one choice

 

[ecam]

What's the recommended thickness for a tank. .25 or .5

 

[Surfside74]

I have .5 inch white PVC board. Looks just like starboard but is less money. I even have coralline algae starting to grow on it.

 

[ecam]

Can I get a pic. Might be worth it.

 

[Surfside74]

 

[ecam]

What did you use to silicone it to the bottom? How long has it been installed?

 

[Surfside74]

Sorry it looks a little blue. Camera phone. I really like this stuff.

 

[ecam]

I would be doing this for a 6 ft tank. Looks great. Could u post some pics with the day lights on tomorrow

 

[Surfside74]

I did not silicone it down. Stays in place perfectly fine with rock and water. Actually looks nice with corals on top. Word of caution though. When you glue the frag plug down, it really sticks. Ha.

 

[Surfside74]

I won't be able to get pics tomorrow because I will be at work. Let me see what other pics I have. A lot of people I know went to bare bottom and use this board.

 

[ecam]

Any nitrate issues? Getting in the cracks. Or is it a solid fit.

 

[Surfside74]

 

[Surfside74]

That one is better. Hope that helps you out.

 

[ecam]

Great pic. I just had given up on bare bottom. Now I have to go check out my local lowes and Home Depot.

 

[Surfside74]

Pretty solid fit. Cut it using a dremel and it is very snug fit. No nitrate issues at all.

 

[Surfside74]

Got mine from a fiberglass place. Home Depot and lowes here did not have it