Installing HDPE in Bare Bottom Tank Questions

[Joe Glass Cages]

Detritus and critters get under the HDPE which also can expand and contract nominally. @Joe Glass Cages can you please elaborate?

Thanks @danreef55

@Fish Fan

Lets see here.....

We decided to use Starboard. Starboard is version of HDPE. So much of the HDPE is imported from around the world and primarily from China. The Starboard we use is manufactured in FL by King Plastics. US sourced raw materials is important to us.

We initially tested sealing the Starboard in the tanks with silicone.

1. So Starboard will expand and contract with extreme temperatures. Well, shipping in the summer was a problem. Tank would leave the studio in perfect condition and show up at its destination expanded and buckled. ouch!
2. @helmsreef is correct. Silicone doesn't adhere to Starboard well. Just not going to stand the test of time and below will happen.
3. If, and its high possible that when sealing the starboard in the tank that a spot is missed and its not completely sealed, Danger, Danger, Danger. There will be a completely uncontrollable bio experience happening underneath the Starboard only to make its appearance at a later date. That will be a very very bad day.

We also tested not sealing the starboard. Been doing this method for just over three years now. About 250 plus tanks a year, details below:

1. Starboard is placed on the top of the bottom glass inside the tank.
2. No issues with unwanted things brewing underneath the Starboard
3. We found that using light weight artificial rock could be a problem. If snails are in the tank, they can push their way under the Starboard and then you have a problem. As more snails go beneath the Starboard, the bigger the issue. **** Using live rock is enough weight to hold the Starboard down. No issues when a good amount of weight is on top of the starboard.

When we have someone considering Starboard with our tanks, I share all of the above experiences. I do my best to talk them out of the decision. By doing this I have found that those that decide to do the Starboard are ready for the challenge and don't have the issues outlined above.

Hope this helps.

 

[Fish Fan]

@Joe Glass Cages

Thank you very, very much for that reply! That was very informative and honest, and you didn't have to share all that you did. We've spoken before on other threads, and even briefly by email. I very much appreciate your candor and professionalism, it speaks volumes (no pun intended) on the quality of work that you do. Next tank, Joe, I promise :-)

The HDPE I purchased is Starboard, I got mine through US Plastics, and now strangely and suddenly we are getting all kinds of ads for US Plastics on our Ruku streaming services like Hulu, for example. Hmmm......

I'm now thinking of not using the HDPE. I didn't want it in the first place, but it does stink that while only about $20, I ordered it because "everyone" in other threads said it was "necessary". I'm kind of sick of this situation, but such is reefing, I guess....

I mean, I like to cook, I guess I could use my HDPE for its intended purpose....

My tank is only 25 gallons and just 11.9" tall, and this is NOT my main display tank, it's a frag tank. Again, I'm not arty or an advanced aquascaper, but I am going to machine some rocks flat to use on the base, and I will epoxy everything together for this 'scape (that's a first for me, I have always been just a "stacker"). I not going very high at all, and with flat bottom rocks and epoxy I don't see toppling rocks as being an issue.

Other than scratching the bottom of the tank, I now don't see any reason to use the HDPE in my case.

Thank you so much for your time and help, Joe!