Sand vs bare bottom, again? New idea for BOTH?

DaneGer21 · Jul 15, 2020

I started thinking about this topic again, and I may have a “fix” to have both.

I was wondering if it would be possible and/or safe to put sand down, and then pour in a two part epoxy, like many have been seen using it for “live edge” tables/etc, but have this fill in and cover the sand. Giving the appearance of sand actually being in there, but having it encased in epoxy for a bare bottom finish.

Has anyone done this? Would it be possible?

...it’s just a hunch I had, not for any current project, fyi.

ZipAdeeZoa · Jul 15, 2020

Unfortunately since the sand won't be able to turn over at all eventually it will just become covered in coraline algae like any other solid surface in the tank so in the end it wouldn't look any different than a abs or glass bottom.

SMSREEF · Jul 15, 2020

BRS did a video on top 21 mistakes with sand and discussed this as one of them because it will soon be covered by coralline algae and all your hard work to make something that looks like a sandbed will now just be a purple base like a bare bottom would.

Top 21 Ways A Live Sand Bed Will Change Your Reef Tank From Meh...to WOW! Top mistakes we made.

Whether you love it or hate it, sand plays a crucial role in the ecological balance of your reef tank. Not only does it look great and provide a natural substrate for a variety of fascinating animals, it also contributes significantly to the overall health of your reef. By learning from these...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

I do not have any experience doing this though so I have no idea if that is actually the case or how long it would take to get covered in coralline.

Was typing this as @ZipAdeeZoa was posting same answer above...

DaneGer21 · Jul 15, 2020

Definitely makes sense. It was just a thought I had.

naterealbig · Jul 15, 2020

DaneGer21 said:
Definitely makes sense. It was just a thought I had.

It's not a bad compromise. Coraline Algae is much easier to scrape off of smooth epoxy than epoxy covered with sand, or the various other mediums used to cover the glass in a barebottom setup.