What's on the bottom of your bare bottom? | #AskBRStv

[randyBRS]

Hey Reefers!

Today we answer another question from our Instagram reefing community about what we decided to use on to cover the bottom of our Red Sea Reefer 750XXL for the BRS/WWC System tank.

 

[gcarroll]

What's on the bottom of your bare bottom?
Underwear...

Bust we are talking aquariums, I got PVC on mine.

 

[randyBRS]

What's on the bottom of your bare bottom?
Underwear...Bust we are talking aquariums, I got PVC on mine.

Catchy, right Greg?!?

 

[KJAG]

Used the exact same material on my old 180. It warped considerably and lifted even with a ton of Momentive RTV-103 silicone underneath. Would never use it again. Never had this issue with Starboard.
Good luck.

 

[gcarroll]

Catchy, right Greg?!?

Oh there are so many directions I could have went with that one!!!

 

[ndrwater]

Used the exact same material on my old 180. It warped considerably and lifted even with a ton of Momentive RTV-103 silicone underneath. Would never use it again. Never had this issue with Starboard.
Good luck.

Happen to know Greg's tank is built with a PVC bottom. Not a retrofit.. if I were to go the retrofit route, I think Starboard is a great choice

 

[ndrwater]

Double post

 

[KJAG]

Happen to know Greg's tank is built with a PVC bottom. Not a retrofit.. if I were to go the retrofit route, I think Starboard is a great choice

I’m thoroughly confused bro, please elaborate!

 

[ndrwater]

@gcarroll may want to chime in here, but...

The tank manufacturer builds the tank with a hybrid PVC bottom. It's not typical glass or acrylic like many other tanks out there.

As for the retrofit, many bare bottom TANK aficionados will add a piece of Starboard or similar to protect the bottom of the tank from things like falling rock etc.

 

[KJAG]

@gcarroll may want to chime in here, but...

The tank manufacturer builds the tank with a hybrid PVC bottom. It's not typical glass or acrylic like many other tanks out there.

As for the retrofit, many bare bottom TANK aficionados will add a piece of Starboard or similar to protect the bottom of the tank from things like falling rock etc.

Yes.My last three builds have been BB. Two with King Starboard. I was referring to BRS’ build with ABS.

 

[ndrwater]

Yes. I was referring to BRS’ build with ABS.

Maybe I should watch the video..

 

[Devaji]

the question is...if there is something there is it really a bare bottom??

 

[Daan Hijmans]

Sand!

 

[Devaji]

I am going back n forth on BB or not...

 

[Jack22]

I’m moving my tank in a month or two, thankfuly it is just going to be from one side of my house to the other. I’m considering doing a bare bottom with black ABS like in the video.

If I put down the ABS and decide I want to do sand instead, can I put sand down on top of the ABS?

Would the marineland aquarium silicone work for sticking it to the bottom? I have a tube left from building my sump. How long do I need to let the silicone cure before I add water to the tank?

 

[randyBRS]

I’m moving my tank in a month or two, thankfuly it is just going to be from one side of my house to the other. I’m considering doing a bare bottom with black ABS like in the video.
If I put down the ABS and decide I want to do sand instead, can I put sand down on top of the ABS?
Would the marineland aquarium silicone work for sticking it to the bottom? I have a tube left from building my sump. How long do I need to let the silicone cure before I add water to the tank?

I don't see any reason why you can't throw sand on top of the ABS and I think that silicon will work just fine. We let our's cure for at least 24hrs.

 

[jjjameson333]

I am trying to find the best “faux sand” finish for my bare bottom SPSDominated tank.

I’m bought into the abs plastic and may default to black or deep sea blue, but I’m seeking input on anyone that has a clean look of faux sand? I’m sure something exists or there is a solution, I just haven’t found it yet, other than the below options I’ve considered.

I haven’t found a rough textured sand colored abs, though that could look chintzy if flat “tan”.

Alternatively, I’ve found some desert sand vinyl wall covering, but I wonder if it’s reef safe? I think it’s the kind for RV/camper/Mobile home walls or bathrooms.

I’ve considered grainy sand spray paint and wonder if anyone knows if/how spray paint can be reef safe or sealed to be so?

I could put these finishes underneath clear acrylic but hope to have a “faux sandy finish/look” on the top surface of my “bare bottom” tank.

Lastly, I have another idea I’m sure has been tried- has anyone tried mirrored plastic on the bottom and what material? I found mirrored “stick-on” tiles that are some kind of plastic on Amazon... thoughts? I don’t want seems but I’m sure I can hide most with rock and coral or perhaps sprayed on sand finish.... it could get a little crazy looking with the mirrors... does anyone have good photos? I am new to RC and forums and struggling looking through all the info efficiently

Thank you!

 

[Reefahholic]

 

[Reefahholic]

Used the exact same material on my old 180. It warped considerably and lifted even with a ton of Momentive RTV-103 silicone underneath. Would never use it again. Never had this issue with Starboard.
Good luck.

Are you saying the ABS or PVC warped?

 

[Reefahholic]

Happen to know Greg's tank is built with a PVC bottom. Not a retrofit.. if I were to go the retrofit route, I think Starboard is a great choice

I 100% agree.

 

[revhtree]

I have a bare bottom tank for a while. Then I plumb it and add sand and water.