Protection under the sandbed.

[ingtar_shinowa]

I've build a couple pillars with overhangs for my new 125g and was going to use egg-crate. However, this worries me because I want to keep many leopard and tamarins, and don't want them digging into the sharp edges.


At the end of the day, is there a really GOOD reason not to put starboard or egg-crate under rock. I just like the idea of dispersing some of that weight over a large area not a focused point.


I've done a few searches and have not found anyone convincing..

 

[revsgirl]

Bump


Chasing the Dream Giver, not the dream! Tonya

 

[h20poloman2]

I always use eggcrate on the bottom of my reef tanks. In speaking with a long time reefer he was thinking that part of his odd algae issues he experienced in his new system was due to the fact it was the only tank he didn't include eggcrate on the bottom as a plenum. I also have not had any issues with my sand burying wrasses injuring themselves due to the eggcrate. As long as you have a 1 -1 1/2"+ sandbed I would say you are fine. I also use acrylic pillars as well and place them on top of the eggcrate.

 

[RichieT]

I've build a couple pillars with overhangs for my new 125g and was going to use egg-crate. However, this worries me because I want to keep many leopard and tamarins, and don't want them digging into the sharp edges.


At the end of the day, is there a really GOOD reason not to put starboard or egg-crate under rock. I just like the idea of dispersing some of that weight over a large area not a focused point.


I've done a few searches and have not found anyone convincing..

I don't think you are going to get much if any weight dispersal from using the egg crate. There just isn't enough structural strength in egg crate to disperse weight. Whatever weight you put on top of it is going to be almost directly transferred to the bottom of the tank, you might get an inch or so more of surface area for weight dispersal.

I've never understood the use of eggcrate on the bottom of tanks. I thought it was recently found to be leaching phosphates into the tank anyway. I may be missing a biological factor here such as it helps create a oxygen free environment better than if it wasn't there which would help remove nitrates, but I definitely don't see it as a structural help.

 

[MitchReef]

Plus it will certainly impede the travels of your sand sifters....an important part of your cleanup crew....

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

I use 1/4'' plexi-glass under my sand bed.

 

[Frags 2 Fishes]

I've always used egg crate under h rocks. Mainly for the reason that if a rock structure falls it wouldn't fall directly on the glass which could be cushioned somewhat by the eggcrate. I am curious about the phosphate issue though. I ha tons and tons of issues using white in my frag tank. Switched to black and haven't had a speck of issues. (I use white under my sand currently)