Bottom Protection

[SKMoss]

I know ABS is a good choice for protecting the bottom from rock when aquascaping. I have some .220" acrylic leftovers from another project. Any reason I can't use that instead of ABS?

 

[Lasse]

What I can see - no

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Rubberfrog]

I don't like using stuff on the bottom because it becomes a detritus trap. I use about a 1/2" of sand, place my rock, and then fill in the rest of the sand.

 

[SKMoss]

What I can see - no

Sincerely Lasse

Thanks. I kind of figure since they make tanks with the stuff, it ought to be ok. Saves me a drip to San Diego to go find ABS sheets. (Shipping costs 3x the cost of the material.

 

[SKMoss]

I don't like using stuff on the bottom because it becomes a detritus trap. I use about a 1/2" of sand, place my rock, and then fill in the rest of the sand.

I have some concerns there as well. The acrylic is flat, so I don’t see a way for much build up under it. But I know it’s a very common thing. I did the rock on top of sand bit a couple of times and the Aquascape failed both times.

Thought, put down the acrylic then seal with silicone?

 

[Lasse]

I have never used any thing between my rocks an glass. And I am a former African Cichlid owner. However - I never ever place my rocks on lose sand. The base rocks have always been placed direct on the glass and after that filled up with sand. The reason for this is that if you have had cichlids - you know that nearly all fish dig more or less. If they dig below a supporting rock - yes there have been many flooded living room floors because of that. Even a long time ago they know - do not build a house on loose sand If your rocks are placed direct on glass - just use base rocks that have a rather flat underside

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Garf]

I have some concerns there as well. The acrylic is flat, so I don’t see a way for much build up under it. But I know it’s a very common thing. I did the rock on top of sand bit a couple of times and the Aquascape failed both times.

Thought, put down the acrylic then seal with silicone?

Superglued acrylic feet on my rocks;

 

[SKMoss]

Superglued acrylic feet on my rocks;

That’s option 2 for me. Lol I just like the idea of a full sheet of nice thick acrylic, to protect against my clumsy, more than likely to drop a piece of rock, hands. I will probably go with this idea anyway.

I also considering taking a dollop of the mortar mix and putting on the contact points on the rock and forming a “flat” bottom that way.

 

[Rubberfrog]

I have some concerns there as well. The acrylic is flat, so I don’t see a way for much build up under it. But I know it’s a very common thing. I did the rock on top of sand bit a couple of times and the Aquascape failed both times.

Thought, put down the acrylic then seal with silicone?

Lots of guys put a barrier down, if you want to do it, I'm sure it will be fine.

 

[Rubberfrog]

I have never used any thing between my rocks an glass. And I am a former African Cichlid owner. However - I never ever place my rocks on lose sand. The base rocks have always been placed direct on the glass and after that filled up with sand. The reason for this is that if you have had cichlids - you know that nearly all fish dig more or less. If they dig below a supporting rock - yes there have been many flooded living room flors because of that. Even a long time agoo they know - do not build a house on loose sand If your rocks are placed direct on glass - just use base rocks that have a rather flat underside

Sincerely Lasse

A 1/2" of sand is not loose sand.... I have had tanks for forty years. haven't had a rock structure collapse yet.

 

[Lasse]

I have lived for 71 years - no cancer yet. I have smoke, drink and using snuff - still i say to my children and others - Do not smoke, do not use snuff and be careful with drinks. Do not take that chance I have done - you maybe not as lucky as me.

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Rubberfrog]

I have lived for 71 years - no cancer yet. I have smoke, drink and using snuff - still i say to my children and others - Do not smoke, do not use snuff and be careful with drinks. Do not take that chance I have done - you maybe not as lucky as me.

Sincerely Lasse

Wise advice!