Starboard

[Unarce]

That looks amazing, comatose. I may try that when I upgrade.

 

[Anonymous]

Hey Comatose,

How long did you let the PVC glue dry before testing it to see how well the sand sticking?

Did you wait for each section to completely dry before moving on to the next?

Thanks!

Louey

 

[mike90]

stupid questions, but what exactly is starboard and what does it do?

 

[comatose]

Hey Comatose,

How long did you let the PVC glue dry before testing it to see how well the sand sticking?

Over night should be fine

Did you wait for each section to completely dry before moving on to the next?

No, i just kept on going till it was all finished, then the next day i turned it on it's side and lightly brushed off any loose sand to see if there were any bare spots, is so i added more glue and sand.

 

[comatose]

stupid questions, but what exactly is starboard and what does it do?

Starboard is 1/2" thick food cutting board that is use for people who want barebottom tanks and is laid on the bottom before you fill the tank, it protects the bottom glass from scratches and falling rock and distributes the weight of the live rock, also helps in cleaning the tank and for increased water flow.

 

[comatose]

click on "my reef page" in my signature to see how i applied the starboard and what it looks like after it's in the tank.

 

[mike90]

oh i see. i didnt use that and i have like 70 pounds of rock. is that ok? dont really feel like emptying my tank to put that in. do you put more sand on top of the starboard when your done?

 

[m-fine]

People use it instead of sand or gravel. Basically it is a barebottom tank with the glass covered.

m-fine

 

[Anonymous]

To get the shinny finish off the starboard, I used a 4" hole saw that is made for cutting in ceiling lights and I just scuffed the whole board up real good. I hit it with 60 grit sandpaper as well. I got the stuff good and furry.

I found one of the keys is is to not be afraid to put too much glue on the board . More is better and makes it less likely to need a second coat.

My boards are all almost done now. I need a touch up a few spots.

I'll post a picture of it in the tank when I am finished.

Louey

 

[ChrisRD]

Nice work Louey!

 

[comatose]

Hey Louey, any updates? I'm curious how it's working out for ya.

 

[Anonymous]

It's working out beautifully, Comatose. The starboard is largely covered in coraline algea now and it looks very natural.

I love it and highly recommend this method of anyone wanting a faux bottom.

Louey

 

[liquid]

Photo?

Shane