How to clothe barebttms

[jlehigh]

hehehe I just had to..

On my new 280 gallon (ARRIVING IN TWO WEEKS!!!!) I would like to have a bare bottom though I was wondering if anyone has thought of putting down a white plastic platform on the bottom to illiminate the reflection and even foster Corraline?? I envision a material similar to white plastic cutting boards..

Anyone seen any good ideas?

 

[Johnny]

If I am not mistaken that is called star board. I have seen discussions on other forums about using this in the bottom of tanks for several different reasons.

 

[jlehigh]

I'll start surfing the reefcentral wave/Tidal wave of data...

Any other ideas out there?

 

[cdeakle]

I had a bare bottom reef tank in the past, if your patient the corraline will grow and eventually take over without any added "hardware". Then the coraline algae itself will help eliminate the light reflection....

 

[piercho]

The basic idea of the starboard is to put a liner for mechanical cushion between the rocks and the glass, in case the rocks tumble. Starboard also gives the bottom a white color, initially. If you are not concerned with tumbling rocks damaging your tank, you could just use the glass bottom without a liner. Either the glass or the liner will gradually encrust and get covered. Any sheet plastic material that is relatively inert will work if you want to use a bottom-liner like starboard. Acrylic sheet in 1/4" thickness is available at Lowes and is pretty easy to cut to size. ABS sheet can be purchased cut to size if you want a black bottom. Starboard is a product sold at marine supply stores.

 

[jlehigh]

Okay thanks guys. The tank will be acrylic. I'm not concerned with tumbling rocks too much.. I'll give this some more thought.