Foam board vs. Rubber mat for underlayment.

[GoReefin]

Which do you guys use under your aquarium and why did you choose rubber mat or foam board over the other?

Setting up an aquarium and would love to hear everyone's opinions.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I’ve always used foam
Cheaper and compresses where needed

 

[GoReefin]

I’ve always used foam
Cheaper and compresses where needed

For aesthetics do you just paint it black or leave it be?

 

[redfishbluefish]

Whatever the aquarium manufacturer recommends, otherwise the warranty is out the window. Now that said, my aquarium manufacturer stated 3/4 rigid insulation board, and I didn't want that much foam under my tank. I went with a sleeping bag foam sold at Walmart (7/16 uncompressed), knowing it invalidated my warranty. A couple years later, all is just fine.

Blue foam under tank....compressed versus not compressed:

 

[goggs29]

Yoga mat per manufacturer.....sca

 

[GoReefin]

Great to see other choices like yoga mat and sleeping bag foam! Would have never thought of those.

 

[vetteguy53081]

For aesthetics do you just paint it black or leave it be?

I left mine be as I have the stand to cover it