Downgrading to my first bare bottom

Nick C · Feb 17, 2019

So I will be downgrading my tank to a 32 gallon biocube since I have to move. And I want to do my first BB.

I have seen tons of things on putting rock directly on glass, using abs, what are you experiences? How the abs hold up after a while?? I know BRS uses the mat (I ordered one) that will be here next week. But what are your experiences?!

Is it worth it or should I just go place things on the glass??

Ranjib · Feb 17, 2019

I just place rocks straight to glass, do it carefully and it should be just fine.

Jonreefer · Feb 17, 2019

I got the abs but from tap plastic cut to size. Was cheaper by a good bit for my 40b
I like it a lot more then straight glass. Doesn’t have that mirror look and also when placing your rocks on the abs it holds them tightly and they lock in place. Unlike when you aquascape on glass the rocks are not locked in place as well and can easily be pushed around if you have a hand in tank that could cause a aquascape collapse if moved enough.

jent · Feb 18, 2019

I use 1/2in starboard custom cut from boatoutfitters.com

Been very happy with the look of the textured black, and get them to route the edges.

Nick C · Feb 18, 2019

jent said:
I use 1/2in starboard custom cut from boatoutfitters.com

Been very happy with the look of the textured black, and get them to route the edges.

Is this solid plastic?? The abs mat from BRS (from looking at it in pictures) looks to be more of kind of rubber foam.

jent · Feb 18, 2019

Very solid plastic, it's hdpr, so like a cutting board kind of stuff. You can see it in this photo when I first setup my last tank:

Nick C · Feb 18, 2019

jent said:
Very solid plastic, it's hdpr, so like a cutting board kind of stuff. You can see it in this photo when I first setup my last tank:

It definitely looks clean. Have you had any issues with getting Coraline to grow on it? Or had any issues with detritus build up?

jent · Feb 18, 2019

Coraline would grow on it like crazy. In fact due to the texture you better like coraline because it's pretty hard to scrape off for the most part. The tank recently developed a leak and I had to shut it down. I expected a ton of detritus to have gotten under the board, however when I lifted it up I was shocked to see almost none. I believe the key there is getting a thick enough piece so it wont warp (I have heard less than 1/2in will warp, and after 4 years even my .5in piece warped a very tiny bit). Detritus would collect over the silicone (since it obviously did not rest on top of the silicone, but instead just inside the bead), but I could easily remove it on water changes.

I am in-progress with a 100gal build to replace that tank, and plan to get a new piece of that same starboard for it. I think it worked perfectly, and had as great look to it

Jonreefer · Feb 18, 2019

my ABS sheet is only .118" same thickness BRS sells but I put a bead of silicone all around the edge of the bottom and glued it down.

Ocean Lotion · Feb 18, 2019

I put 1/4" starboard on the bottom of my 30 long 6 months ago. No warping.

Ocean Lotion · Feb 18, 2019

Pic

Burrito · Feb 18, 2019

link to brs abs sheet, i cant find it?

Jonreefer · Feb 18, 2019

Burrito said:
link to brs abs sheet, i cant find it?

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/24-x-24-black-abs-plastic-sheet-bulk-reef-supply.html
I bought mine here precut to fit my tank
https://www.tapplastics.com/product/plastics/plastic_sheets_rolls/abs_sheets/524
cost me $30 shipped for a 36x18 sheet cut to my size needed. Saved me $20 from buying 2 24x24 sheets and having to have them cut myself.

Nick C · Feb 18, 2019

Jonreefer said:
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/24-x-24-black-abs-plastic-sheet-bulk-reef-supply.html
I bought mine here precut to fit my tank
https://www.tapplastics.com/product/plastics/plastic_sheets_rolls/abs_sheets/524
cost me $30 shipped for a 36x18 sheet cut to my size needed. Saved me $20 from buying 2 24x24 sheets and having to have them cut myself.

The only down fall, a biocube kind of has a bow frint, so I don't know if they would be able to cut it perfect. ( The plus is one sheet will hold it)

Jonreefer · Feb 18, 2019

yea adding the radius cut for the front might make it not worth it. plus you would only need 1 sheet.

Burrito · Feb 18, 2019

the tap plastic site is awesome, cheaper than anywhere i've seen and shipping isnt insane. that said which material is best for an aquarium purpose.
i am leaning to the king starboard since i've seen it reference many times, they have ABS plastic which is the cheapest but i dont know if i want to go with a black surface and they dont have white abs. is the any difference someone knows of between the starboard, cutting board and hdpe smooth? all are close in terms of price.

DHill6 · Feb 18, 2019

I downgraded from a 90 custom cube to a Reefer 170, put the Tonga Branch directly on the glass, no problems. Coralline took off, mandarin doesn't have a problem with it and snails are good home keepers. Also have an urchin that keeps things tidy.

Why-Me · Feb 18, 2019

I'm going bare bottom on my tank I'm getting ready to set up.
I really like the seafoam textured King Starboard, going to order from Boat Outfitters, tap plastics wanted $10 more for shipping and $10 more for the sheet the same custom size plus they didn't have the textured that I wanted.

https://www.boatoutfitters.com/seafoam-king-starboard-anti-skid-plastic-sheet

galantra · Feb 18, 2019

I actually been searching. For abs sheets but the 36x36 size I want shipping is crazy high. Been looking for other options but but nothing textured just glossy or in white

Anyone melted or added added pieces together? Wonder if it’s easy or looks good?