What do put under live rock to prtect the glass?

[basscyn]

Schwaggs;446601 wrote: Interesting approach. I seriously doubt that the white plastic leaches phosphates, it's just polystyrene.... but I understand where the thought could get started... Hair algea seems to love the stuff. I bet it has to do with the texture of the surface. The algea must be able to "bite" into it.

Agreed! I doubt as well that algae has racial issues :lol2:...must be something else but couldnt seem to find any logical explanation.

Schwaggs;446601 wrote: Where did you get the black eggcrate? How has it been working out and how long have you been using it.

I was afraid someone would ask me that. It got it at some place in Norcross that sells all kinds of plastics for industrial use.They had to special order it. When I called inquiring about it, the lady on the phone immediatley said "You have a reef tank dont you?".
Seems we are the only ones who request the stuff.


I got the contact here on ARC. I will try to dig it up for ya.

Seems to be doing fine. I have only has this tank set up since September.So far so good.

 

[haninja]

You can try the

 

[weaglereefer]

I used white eggcrate. Had issues with my last tank and a pistol shrimp, didn't want to have them again.

I think the algae on the white eggcrate has to do with the way light hits it in respect to how light hits the black eggcrate.

I run white in my frag tank and have no issues.

 

[glxtrix]

Never seen or heard of a tank that the bottom glass broke due to a rock slide...when filled with water. I have always (except for 1 tank) just put the rocks directly on the glass.

 

[kayakatl]

Best thread I have found on the subject. Awesome "floating" look too.

 

[harleyguy]

That "floating" rock stuff is pretty cool, I think I'll give it a try with the 240... Yup that's right I'm "finally" going to set up my 240 FOWLR

 

[kayakatl]

Harleyguy;446976 wrote: That "floating" rock stuff is pretty cool, I think I'll give it a try with the 240... Yup that's right I'm "finally" going to set up my 240 FOWLR

I will be switching tanks in the near future, I will be doing this too. It a great Idea, and it gives the tanks a unique look. Also gives smaller creatures a nifty place to hide. I will be using a DSB in the new tank. This is the perfect way to not cover rock up, it will also allow my bottom rock to be used to the full extent instead of burring it in sand and getting the other 3/5th of that rock back as beneficial surface area. Lots of ways to modify that but the teeth on the acrylic rod is a fantastic idea for preventing slippage. I know that thread is 7 pages long but very worth reading.

 

[johnr2604]

FWIW I think the black eggcrate is even worse about algea. I have used both in the past.

 

[markl]

grouper therapy;446453 wrote: Not as much as those 1/2" squares full of detritus would me!

I was thinking the same thing when I posted this.

 

[markl]

Schwaggs;446601 wrote: Interesting approach. I seriously doubt that the white plastic leaches phosphates, it's just polystyrene.... but I understand where the thought could get started... Hair algea seems to love the stuff. I bet it has to do with the texture of the surface. The algea must be able to "bite" into it.

Where did you get the black eggcrate? How has it been working out and how long have you been using it?

m&m plastics

 

[markl]

johnr2604;447006 wrote: FWIW I think the black eggcrate is even worse about algea. I have used both in the past.

Im done with eggcrate as well.

 

[dakota9]

johnr2604;447006 wrote: FWIW I think the black eggcrate is even worse about algea. I have used both in the past.

I can understand this statement if you are running barebottom, but with eggcrate, then rock, then sand, I don't understand how algae can even fit in the equation regarding the use of eggcrate.

It's been mentioned that eggcrate would attract detrius. Again, are you refering to barebottom tanks? I don't think the eggcrate would collect any more detrius than the two inches of sand would on its on.

I had a 30gal tank that I used for 20 years. The bottom was very scratched (white with scratches/blemishes) from the grinding of the rock on the glass while aquascaping and agitation of the substrate. I'm comfortable using eggcrate and have in all my set-ups in the past 4 years.

 

[kayakatl]

I just don't see the point in taking the risk with egg crate trapping detritus. I will be using acrylic risers so I know that my critters can get to it to eat it. I also like the idea of getting all of the surface back from my bottom rocks. The look of the "floating rock" is pretty cool too IMO.

 

[rbredding]

I'm going to use some underwater epoxy and create little feet for the bottom supporting rock, increasing the surface area of the point loads on the glass and it will also enable me to pick the rock up off the glass a little bit... and of course it will take the irregular bottom of the rock and make it more stable..

 

[cjsparky]

Quick question...

IF the eggcrate is put down, and then the sand is put over the eggcrate, how will the detrius settle into the squares, if they are filled with sand?

CJ

 

[johnr2604]

Cjsparky;447358 wrote: Quick question...

IF the eggcrate is put down, and then the sand is put over the eggcrate, how will the detrius settle into the squares, if they are filled with sand?

CJ

I'm not saying it will under a sand bed. I'm more talking about general use. IMHO there is absolutly no reason to use it, even under the sand bed.

 

[cjsparky]

I just get nervous with my rock... 2 of my pieces are over 30 lbs each, and they are kind of pointy edged on the glass side.

CJ

 

[kayakatl]

Cjsparky;447374 wrote: I just get nervous with my rock... 2 of my pieces are over 30 lbs each, and they are kind of pointy edged on the glass side.

CJ

Same way it makes its way to the glass from the top of the sand. That stuff always settles to the bottom. Thats why when people remove sand they tend to get a huge nitrate spike.