Idea for Faux sand bed. Envirotex Lite high gloss finish. - Page 23

FiddlinBen · 06/01/2006, 01:23 AM

Nice tank Kong! The water clarity that I see time and time again in photos, to me, is proof this BB method is an easier way to keep a tank clean and stable period. Not relying on a funky gunk loaded DSB. I always hated the way you could see the crud through the viewing panels of the DSB tanks and all the maintenance they require to boot.

King-Kong · 06/01/2006, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by FiddlinBen
Nice tank Kong! The water clarity that I see time and time again in photos, to me, is proof this BB method is an easier way to keep a tank clean and stable period. Not relying on a funky gunk loaded DSB. I always hated the way you could see the crud through the viewing panels of the DSB tanks and all the maintenance they require to boot.

The one thing that consistantly impresses me with this tank is just that: the water clarity.

I've never had a tank (especially one 4' long) where I can look in from the side, and see no reduction in clarity for the entire length of the tank.

Ofcourse, that's not to say BB doesnt give you other issues to be worried about... lord knows I am still far off from creating the perfect mixed tank bb setp.

lubricus · 06/02/2006, 04:36 PM

Bump! So dose anyone have any updates, or pics, Anyone else try this yet?

Mercer · 06/07/2006, 03:57 PM

I did the bottom of 2 tanks. I let the 1 dry for about a week, and flushed it with water many times. I just put freshwater fish in it, and within 1 hour they were not doing so hot. The fish are out, and doing a little bit better but I think I may lose them. Not sure what went wrong. Heck, not sure how to go about fixing this either. Maybe dry it out, and seal it all up with epoxy?

Avast Marine · 06/07/2006, 04:09 PM

It is epoxy that you used the first time. Give it another week to cure.

GSchiemer · 06/07/2006, 04:47 PM

I just don't get this. I don't see how this is worth the effort, expense and risk. And I really don't think there's any benefit to it. If you want a bare-bottom aquarium, just leave it bare. Most of it gets covered with live rock anyway, and the portion that's exposed will be covered by corals and coralline algae within 6 months anyway.

King-Kong · 06/07/2006, 05:34 PM

actually, most of your bare bottom SHOULDNT be covered by live rock. It should be lifted off of the substrate so flow can get underneath.

Next point, it cost me a whole $60. Considering i've spent close to $5,000 so far, I dont see any unnecessary cost; infact, this was one of the cheapest things ive done for the tank.

Next point; i've had mine for 9 months now, and the vast majority of it (70-80%) is still lacking corraline. Getting blasting by 250w HQI DE of 10k Ushio has that effect.

Lastly, what risk?

lubricus · 06/07/2006, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by King-Kong
actually, most of your bare bottom SHOULDNT be covered by live rock. It should be lifted off of the substrate so flow can get underneath.

Next point, it cost me a whole $60. Considering i've spent close to $5,000 so far, I dont see any unnecessary cost; infact, this was one of the cheapest things ive done for the tank.

Next point; i've had mine for 9 months now, and the vast majority of it (70-80%) is still lacking corraline. Getting blasting by 250w HQI DE of 10k Ushio has that effect.

Lastly, what risk?

I'm thinking of doing this to my tank, do you have a recent pic of yours?

nyvp · 06/07/2006, 08:04 PM

Ixthys
what didnt work?
My idea is just to have something in between the glass and the epoxy so it doesnt attach to it ....
any idea's

King-Kong · 06/07/2006, 08:05 PM

http://www.d3f.org/misc/fish/90g/

That URL is the directory listing of any photo taken for my tank. Higher the number = most recent.

You can see the bottom in some of the pics of my most recent SPS purchases and see what great condition it still is in:

http://www.d3f.org/misc/fish/90g/77-newacro2.jpg
http://www.d3f.org/misc/fish/90g/78-rightside.jpg
http://www.d3f.org/misc/fish/90g/79-newacro.jpg

etc.

Ixthys · 06/08/2006, 07:19 AM

One piece of wax paper is not wide enough to cover the tank bottom, so you have to tape several together. I figured I couldn't put the tape in contact with the epoxy (or else it would stick to it) so I either flipped it over, or used double-sided tape.

The problem with this is that the epoxy manages to get in-between ANY tiny gap or where the wax paper overlaps in the tiniest bit. Once the wax gets trapped, that's it--it's stuck. The wax paper will kind of peel off, but not very easily.

Now that's not the end of the world, b/c I find it hard to believe that wax paper in our tanks would do anything...BUT, I guarantee it will leak out of the wax paper and contact whatever is below the epoxy...and stick to it.

King-Kong · 06/08/2006, 07:25 AM

I used duct tape to contain my epoxy; peeled off perfectly.

dirtyreefer · 06/12/2006, 12:48 AM

For everyone worried about coralline algae covering the bottom of their tanks, I have one word to cure this: Vodka.

A carbon source like vodka reduces coralline growth. Trust me on that one, I am dosing a product called "System Reef-Resh" by Polyp Labs which contains a carbon source as part of the dosing regimen. No coralline growth which is nice. I also had the same effects when I dosed vodka previously to using Reef Resh.

If you do decide to use a carbon source, make sure to start out SLOWLY. This works wonders for water clarity, skimmate production, and reduced coralline growth!

jman77 · 06/28/2006, 01:01 PM

This is cool....time to get some wax paper and epoxy

Avast Marine · 06/28/2006, 04:00 PM

This would make some killer frag plugs. A little sand in a paper cup, some resin, a popsicle stick, and it's lolipop sps for the kiddies.

Pez Vela · 07/10/2006, 12:38 AM

I am going to use this method on my new 150G. I also like the idea of making the bottom separate from the glass and pouring the epoxy outside the aquarium. I was thinking of doing it in two pieces using a form (starboard, or other). Maybe a styrofoam mold which could be easily "melted" off the epoxy/sand mixture with a shrink wrap dryer, leaving nothing but the finished faux sandbed in the shapes I create. I too have always dosed Vodka and have not had a coraline algae problem at all. One thing for sure is my mated Golden Headed Sleepers are currently browsing the "tank for rent" section of the local reef paper.... hehehe

dirtyreefer · 07/10/2006, 10:25 AM

I just completed my faux sandbed using starboard. They say nothing aheres to starboard, however this envirotex stuff holds the sand on just fine and would take a hammer and chiesel to get it off.

I'll post pics later...

King-Kong · 07/10/2006, 10:29 AM

yeah -- I found the envirotex held on strong to my cutting board as well.

wuelfman · 07/11/2006, 12:06 AM

yes some more pictures would be great !!!!!

alex656 · 10/14/2006, 09:18 PM

That looks great. Sucks about the other tank though.

alex656 · 10/14/2006, 09:18 PM

That looks great. Sucks about the other tank though.

alex656 · 10/14/2006, 09:18 PM

That looks great. Sucks about the other tank though.

alex656 · 10/14/2006, 09:18 PM

That looks great. Sucks about the other tank though.

Biggie · 10/28/2006, 07:01 AM

Well 23 pages I went thru to hear only one fatality of a cracked 240. With that said the law of ratios comes to mind and the positives seem to greatly out weigh the negatives given others posted expierences.

My plan is to do my 300 gal acrylic. Im taking a slightly differnt approach. .
I plan to precut some acrylic sheets to fit the shap of my bottom.
Then I will take those precut sheets to a glass shop and have them copy cut me 2 sections the same shape (possibly 3 for ease of lifting).
Then I will build a 1 x 1 wood frame around those pieces of glass and covering that with duct tape. Then I will create my epoxy mix pour and hope for the best.
I think this should allow me to completely remove the sub-structure and have panels that look like deep sand.
I also have 5 holes to maneuver around for my closed loop system. Using a diamond hole saw to cut these out in the glass templates first will allow me to insert pvc wrapped in duct tape to
hopefully be removed later. This is all in theory of course reality may be I have to continue to give the PVC a tweist to keep it free for removale every hour or so.

I havent worked with this stuff before so Im specualting everything by what Ive read by other. Im plannning of taking alot of pic so I can share what happens.
If I missed anything here or someone imput please feel free to chime in.

reeferNo99 · 11/02/2006, 12:32 PM

hi guys..
I am planning to do this as well..
But the sand i have is in my other tank..
Just the sand need to 100% dry before i can use it
Thax

06/07/2006, 04:09 PM	#555
Avast Marine RC Sponsor Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,446	It is epoxy that you used the first time. Give it another week to cure. __________________ Dan Don't rush art, you get bad art.

06/28/2006, 04:00 PM	#565
Avast Marine RC Sponsor Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,446	This would make some killer frag plugs. A little sand in a paper cup, some resin, a popsicle stick, and it's lolipop sps for the kiddies. __________________ Dan Don't rush art, you get bad art.

06/01/2006, 01:23 AM	#551
FiddlinBen Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 9	Nice tank Kong! The water clarity that I see time and time again in photos, to me, is proof this BB method is an easier way to keep a tank clean and stable period. Not relying on a funky gunk loaded DSB. I always hated the way you could see the crud through the viewing panels of the DSB tanks and all the maintenance they require to boot.

06/02/2006, 04:36 PM	#553
lubricus Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Ontario Posts: 79	Bump! So dose anyone have any updates, or pics, Anyone else try this yet?

06/07/2006, 03:57 PM	#554
Mercer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Atlantic Canada Posts: 274	I did the bottom of 2 tanks. I let the 1 dry for about a week, and flushed it with water many times. I just put freshwater fish in it, and within 1 hour they were not doing so hot. The fish are out, and doing a little bit better but I think I may lose them. Not sure what went wrong. Heck, not sure how to go about fixing this either. Maybe dry it out, and seal it all up with epoxy?

06/07/2006, 04:47 PM	#556
GSchiemer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 879	I just don't get this. I don't see how this is worth the effort, expense and risk. And I really don't think there's any benefit to it. If you want a bare-bottom aquarium, just leave it bare. Most of it gets covered with live rock anyway, and the portion that's exposed will be covered by corals and coralline algae within 6 months anyway.

06/07/2006, 05:34 PM	#557
King-Kong Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Gainesville, FL Posts: 2,346	actually, most of your bare bottom SHOULDNT be covered by live rock. It should be lifted off of the substrate so flow can get underneath. Next point, it cost me a whole $60. Considering i've spent close to $5,000 so far, I dont see any unnecessary cost; infact, this was one of the cheapest things ive done for the tank. Next point; i've had mine for 9 months now, and the vast majority of it (70-80%) is still lacking corraline. Getting blasting by 250w HQI DE of 10k Ushio has that effect. Lastly, what risk?

06/07/2006, 08:04 PM	#559
nyvp Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Hollywood Florida Posts: 3,633	Ixthys what didnt work? My idea is just to have something in between the glass and the epoxy so it doesnt attach to it .... any idea's

06/07/2006, 08:05 PM	#560
King-Kong Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Gainesville, FL Posts: 2,346	http://www.d3f.org/misc/fish/90g/ That URL is the directory listing of any photo taken for my tank. Higher the number = most recent. You can see the bottom in some of the pics of my most recent SPS purchases and see what great condition it still is in: http://www.d3f.org/misc/fish/90g/77-newacro2.jpg http://www.d3f.org/misc/fish/90g/78-rightside.jpg http://www.d3f.org/misc/fish/90g/79-newacro.jpg etc.

06/08/2006, 07:19 AM	#561
Ixthys Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Middletown, MD Posts: 562	One piece of wax paper is not wide enough to cover the tank bottom, so you have to tape several together. I figured I couldn't put the tape in contact with the epoxy (or else it would stick to it) so I either flipped it over, or used double-sided tape. The problem with this is that the epoxy manages to get in-between ANY tiny gap or where the wax paper overlaps in the tiniest bit. Once the wax gets trapped, that's it--it's stuck. The wax paper will kind of peel off, but not very easily. Now that's not the end of the world, b/c I find it hard to believe that wax paper in our tanks would do anything...BUT, I guarantee it will leak out of the wax paper and contact whatever is below the epoxy...and stick to it.

06/08/2006, 07:25 AM	#562
King-Kong Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Gainesville, FL Posts: 2,346	I used duct tape to contain my epoxy; peeled off perfectly.

06/12/2006, 12:48 AM	#563
dirtyreefer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Vancouver Canada Posts: 2,221	For everyone worried about coralline algae covering the bottom of their tanks, I have one word to cure this: Vodka. A carbon source like vodka reduces coralline growth. Trust me on that one, I am dosing a product called "System Reef-Resh" by Polyp Labs which contains a carbon source as part of the dosing regimen. No coralline growth which is nice. I also had the same effects when I dosed vodka previously to using Reef Resh. If you do decide to use a carbon source, make sure to start out SLOWLY. This works wonders for water clarity, skimmate production, and reduced coralline growth!

06/28/2006, 01:01 PM	#564
jman77 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: West Palm Beach, Florida Posts: 2,391	This is cool....time to get some wax paper and epoxy

07/10/2006, 12:38 AM	#566
Pez Vela Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Northern, CA Posts: 469	I am going to use this method on my new 150G. I also like the idea of making the bottom separate from the glass and pouring the epoxy outside the aquarium. I was thinking of doing it in two pieces using a form (starboard, or other). Maybe a styrofoam mold which could be easily "melted" off the epoxy/sand mixture with a shrink wrap dryer, leaving nothing but the finished faux sandbed in the shapes I create. I too have always dosed Vodka and have not had a coraline algae problem at all. One thing for sure is my mated Golden Headed Sleepers are currently browsing the "tank for rent" section of the local reef paper.... hehehe

07/10/2006, 10:25 AM	#567
dirtyreefer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Vancouver Canada Posts: 2,221	I just completed my faux sandbed using starboard. They say nothing aheres to starboard, however this envirotex stuff holds the sand on just fine and would take a hammer and chiesel to get it off. I'll post pics later...

07/10/2006, 10:29 AM	#568
King-Kong Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Gainesville, FL Posts: 2,346	yeah -- I found the envirotex held on strong to my cutting board as well.

07/11/2006, 12:06 AM	#569
wuelfman Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: stockton ca Posts: 309	yes some more pictures would be great !!!!!

10/14/2006, 09:18 PM	#570
alex656 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 126	That looks great. Sucks about the other tank though.

10/14/2006, 09:18 PM	#571
alex656 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 126	That looks great. Sucks about the other tank though.

10/14/2006, 09:18 PM	#572
alex656 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 126	That looks great. Sucks about the other tank though.

10/14/2006, 09:18 PM	#573
alex656 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 126	That looks great. Sucks about the other tank though.

10/28/2006, 07:01 AM	#574
Biggie Moved On Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 785	Well 23 pages I went thru to hear only one fatality of a cracked 240. With that said the law of ratios comes to mind and the positives seem to greatly out weigh the negatives given others posted expierences. My plan is to do my 300 gal acrylic. Im taking a slightly differnt approach. . I plan to precut some acrylic sheets to fit the shap of my bottom. Then I will take those precut sheets to a glass shop and have them copy cut me 2 sections the same shape (possibly 3 for ease of lifting). Then I will build a 1 x 1 wood frame around those pieces of glass and covering that with duct tape. Then I will create my epoxy mix pour and hope for the best. I think this should allow me to completely remove the sub-structure and have panels that look like deep sand. I also have 5 holes to maneuver around for my closed loop system. Using a diamond hole saw to cut these out in the glass templates first will allow me to insert pvc wrapped in duct tape to hopefully be removed later. This is all in theory of course reality may be I have to continue to give the PVC a tweist to keep it free for removale every hour or so. I havent worked with this stuff before so Im specualting everything by what Ive read by other. Im plannning of taking alot of pic so I can share what happens. If I missed anything here or someone imput please feel free to chime in.

11/02/2006, 12:32 PM	#575
reeferNo99 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 52	hi guys.. I am planning to do this as well.. But the sand i have is in my other tank.. Just the sand need to 100% dry before i can use it Thax