Barebottom glass cover. Here's what I'm thinking about using. Opinions?

[Holy_makerel]

ABS plastic sheeting. Is this reefsafe? Is there a better option?

ABS Sheet - .236" Thick, Black, 24" x 48" Nominal https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004YG53J4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_IV9RCbDSBQXC3

 

[Mastiffsrule]

I know some skimmers like vertex make their bodies out of ABS, but not sure about that product since black and textured

Let’s see what others think

 

[DangerDave]

I believe it’s fine, but I’m sure someone who knows definitively will chime in. If it is reefsafe, I think it would look good. If this doesn’t work out, you can try travertine tiles. I think a few peeps on r2r have done it. I use them for grow out tiles, they’re like $4 for 8 4x4 tiles at HD.

Dave

 

[Alexreefer]

I have seen brs use something like that. Maybe you can ask them tomorrow if they know what they use.

 

[Peace River]

ABS plastic is generally considered reef safe and many of the common plastic aquarium parts that we all use are made from ABS. Unless this is not actually ABS (and there is no reason to believe that it is not ABS based on the product description) or has some weird coating it should be fine. A search on this or any other reef forum should support (and probably duplicate) my comments. If you are still concerned then you may want to pre-soak to look for dyes and/or add carbon to your filtration to be on the safe side.

Another option would be to paint the underside (e.g., non wet side) of the tank with a Krylon-type paint. This is what I have done with several of my bare bottom tanks - I usually use royal blue or forest green, but some others use black. My focus is to eliminate the reflection and still keep a smooth bottom for ease of maintenance. Good luck!

 

[rcpalmer1]

I agree. Just paint the bottom and it is going to be covered with coraline algae before long anyways.

 

[Silver14SS]

Here's a good thread that may help https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/bare-bottom-hdpe-starboard-abs.489752/

I used HDPE on a previous tank with no issues, I believe my current tank has ABS.

 

[Holy_makerel]

My thinking is that it will do 2 things.
1) keep my rockwork off of the glass itself and reduce pressure points

2) look nice in the tank.

I was considering using tiles as well but I had never heard of anyone doing that in marine systems

 

[lolgranny]

Hdpe / starboard / abs all work fine. I’ve had all of them in my tanks

 

[ZipAdeeZoa]

I'm Following the BRS/WWC hybrid method as best I can (adapted for a nano softy tank) and part of that was the ABS bottom. I got a 17x21 1/8 sheet, laid a bead of black silicone in a ring about half an inch away from the edge of the glass and then slowly and evenly lowered the abs sheet onto it with a little handle I made with some painters tape and some fishing line.

This helped me when I was doing mine, perhaps it can do the same for you!

 

[Twocorns]

I used starboard in my tank .got a 54" sheetfor$49 bucks .

 

[Holy_makerel]

Here's a good thread that may help https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/bare-bottom-hdpe-starboard-abs.489752/

I used HDPE on a previous tank with no issues, I believe my current tank has ABS.

Thanks for the link!