BRS hybrid using ABS mat for bottom

[Steve1500]

In the BRS hybrid video, they mention going bare bottom but placing an ABS mat on the bottom of the tank. I am thinking about going BB and like this idea...but I do have some concerns. Anyone ever try this? Any body try a different kind of mat?

Anyone know if they glue the mat down or how they get it to stay in place and not slide around in areas where there are no rocks?

Can algae or coralline build up on this stuff any easier?

 

[Mebbid]

They silicone the mat in place. I'm sure you could use any food safe material for the bottom.

Apparently it makes it easier for coral to encrust over, so it likely makes it easier for coraline too.

 

[Chad3407]

It's pretty common to use abs or starboard. It grows Coraline pretty easy and corals will grow on it as well. Most also use aquarium safe silicone to adhere it to the glass. A nice thick bead spread about 6" will allow you to get it nice and flat with out any waves.

 

[Chad3407]

 

[ca1ore]

If you use a single piece, the weight of the rocks will hold it in place. I’ve always used starboard, which does not warp, and found silicone unnecessary.

 

[bkelley02]

If you use a single piece, the weight of the rocks will hold it in place. I’ve always used starboard, which does not warp, and found silicone unnecessary.

Any suggestions on where to get Starboard?

 

[ca1ore]

You’d have to google it (or try either US Plastics or ePlastics). I used to buy it in big sheets from a plastics store in Patterson NJ, so unless you live there ...... LOL

 

[Ocean Lotion]

Just google plastic supply company's near you. I was able to buy starboard for my tanks and do not live in a metropolitan area. You can also have it shipped. I had mine cut leaving enough room so it did not sit up on the silicone.

 

[bkelley02]

You’d have to google it (or try either US Plastics or ePlastics). I used to buy it in big sheets from a plastics store in Patterson NJ, so unless you live there ...... LOL

Thanks. It's been a while since I researched places to buy some and figured I'd ask you before I started again.

Thanks!

 

[Devaji]

so how think is everyone going? I am tempted as well but I do love a nice sand bed...

 

[User1]

Search is your friend like noted above. Tap plastic here in Northern California carry it. Not sure of your location but like several said just hit up the yellow pages or interwebz and you will find a seller near by or someone who will ship.

I am personally not a fan of it although I see the benefit of using it. I'm wonder about it expanding or things getting stuck on the side or below if not silicon or glued down. If I was going bare (not a nudest by any means ) then I would use what the tank gave me and rest rock on 4" pvc pipe for stability. Let corals grow such as Xenia, GSP, or Mother Nature take it from there.

 

[Ocean Lotion]

my starboard is 50% covered with coraline andooks nice. I will add sand if I feel the need but so far I like the starboard.

 

[bkelley02]

I'll definitely search when it's time. Just nice to get actual feedback from people if they've had a good or bad experience with online sellers.

I tried the PVC stand route about 10 years ago and wasnt happy with how much crud built up in the pipe while it was running. I always worried about the focused pressure point being created from the stacked rock as well. I'm probably just paranoid though. [emoji3]

 

[ca1ore]

I used starboard mainly to prevent point loading pressures on the glass bottom; though I did not bother on my current acrylic tank because ..... well, it seemed redundant. I dont like the aesthetic of BB, so always piled sand over it. Plus sand provides very useful phosphate sink properties, so sand for me (and for my wrasses).

 

[joe berkman]

I've been wondering about how to keep wrasses in a bare bottom. Has anyone made a sandbox out of marine pure sheets, can u cut that with a band or tile saw? Would the wrasses use it if it were suspended in the rock work? Also has anyone used seafoam starboard? That seems to be a close color to a sand bed

 

[Lowell Lemon]

Starboard is made for marine use and is a great choice. ABS works great. PVC works great. Corian works great as well. Durobond is another option. Starboard is manufactured on the east coast...Florida it seems.

 

[Chad3407]

I've been wondering about how to keep wrasses in a bare bottom. Has anyone made a sandbox out of marine pure sheets, can u cut that with a band or tile saw? Would the wrasses use it if it were suspended in the rock work? Also has anyone used seafoam starboard? That seems to be a close color to a sand bed

I have wrasses and no sand. I was told by someone else in the hobby that the fish will figure it out. I haven't had any issues so far.

 

[KJAG]

I have wrasses and no sand. I was told by someone else in the hobby that the fish will figure it out. I haven't had any issues so far.

Depends on the wrasse. Certain wrasses need a sand bed and won’t “just figure it out.” Others absolutely don’t need a SB.

 

[joe berkman]

I have a yellow wrasse and a leopard wrasse. I was hoping they'd make the cut when I upgrade my tank next spring. And I think a cantilevered sand box could be a cool aquascape feature if done well.

 

[Reefahholic]