starboard thickness

[crvz]

Originally Posted by nanogurl

Any reason for the 1" Does yours trap detri at all? Would 1/2" work just as good?

On my last tank, one of the only places I couldnt get hair algae from growing was at the seam between the starboard and the glass. I didnt have a lot of space in that tank (about 1/2" at best), so it was really hard to get that algae out. One thing to note on that setup, though, is that I put the starboard in without draining the tank and cleaning it real well. Ultimately, I think there was enough small junk between the cutting board and bottom pane of glass when I initially laid it in place, plenty of space for detritus to trap and fuel algae. Again, with that previous setup, I was very inexperienced for a long time and had some serious algae problems before I put the cutting board in place (which I did after removing the sandbed), so that probably lended to growing algae at the interface.

But I wanted more space around the sides in the beginning of the new tank to ensure I'd be able to clean it out easier if needed, but as it turns out there's no problem. With a clean tank, the cutting board lays very flat and I don't notice much of any detritus collecting underneath. Nothing to worry about, thats for sure. I'm sure you could do 1/2" just as well, I was just trying to protect for a problem that I don't have now.

Originally Posted by nanogurl

Also, does it need to be UV rated?

Only if you don't want it to fade. I don't think there's any other concern with not having UV rated platics.

[crvz]

Originally Posted by OIIIIIO

I'm going to use make fiberglass pegs from driveway markers that they sell at HD. I think they are stronger than if I use acrylic.

Sound's familiar.

It'll be nice that those match the typical white boards we use for the bottom, but acrylic at just a couple or three inches (for raising the starboard) would be plenty strong. I found acrylic to be a bit too bendy when stacking rock 20"+ high. Acrylic is a bit cheaper if quantity is a concern (I got around 60' of 3/8" rod for about $20 on ebay, compared to ~18' of fiberglass pole for around the same price).

[gman0526]

Well look who's here . The starboard is UV resistant and will not degrade over time.

[nanogurl]

Originally Posted by OIIIIIO

I'm going to use make fiberglass pegs from driveway markers that they sell at HD. I think they are stronger than if I use acrylic.

I don't think it does. This is going on the bottom under 20" of water and UV shielded glass on the bulbs. I doubt much UV would make it down that far to affect the integrity of the board. The UV rating for "starboard" is because it is used on boats and is in the sun all day.

Thanks! I read someone say that those markers were not reef safe? Have you heard anything about that?

That makes sense. I have DE bulbs so I have a piece of glass between the bulbs and the water.

[nanogurl]

Originally Posted by crvz

sure you could do 1/2" just as well, I was just trying to protect for a problem that I don't have now.

Hmm... thanks. I was only thinking 1/2" bc it might look better then 1" from the front.. but I really have no idea until I get the tank. I def want the board to lay flat...

I have not decided if I should try to silicone it or not... i am thinking it might just make it look worse.

[nanogurl]

Originally Posted by gman0526

Well look who's here . The starboard is UV resistant and will not degrade over time.

Hi! :P

I've seen some that say UV resistant and others say they were not. That is why I was asking to see if it really mattered.

Stop following me around to every board :P lol jk.

[OIIIIIO]

Originally Posted by nanogurl

Thanks! I read someone say that those markers were not reef safe? Have you heard anything about that?

I haven't heard that, but it's definitely something I haven't thought about. I'm far away from getting water in my tank, so I'll have time to research .

[Fly Guy]

I use 3/4" thick so I can do my acrylic rock lifts and drill the 1/2" deep holes required to secure the rods without drilling all the way through the starboard so stuff cant get underneath.

the uv resistance isnt necessary. In fact.....what most of us use really isnt "starboard" in the first place, its just HDPE. Starboard is HDPE with the UV resistance, costs 3-5 times as much and is available in many different colors.

Originally Posted by OIIIIIO

I'm going to use make fiberglass pegs from driveway markers that they sell at HD. I think they are stronger than if I use acrylic.
.

Any one of the 3/4" acrylic rods I use could support the entire reef on its own many times over. That and I can cut these teeth in them which grip your rock like glue making stacking on them a dream

[crvz]

Originally Posted by nanogurl

Thanks! I read someone say that those markers were not reef safe? Have you heard anything about that?

That's the first time I've heard that. I don't know what the risk of fiberglass would be... I've been using it those ever since I setup my tank without problems.

[nanogurl]

I read it on RC something about either paint leaching or something coming out of the rods. I'll see if I can track it down for you.

[Bender 2]

I went with 1/2" HDPE from US Plastics. It is much cheaper that the Starboard and with the 1/2" thickness you won't have to worry about the edges curling up. As far as discoloring or breaking down fron the UV, I wouldn't worry about it, it will be covered with coraline in no time.

[gman0526]

Originally Posted by nanogurl

Stop following me around to every board :P lol jk.

gman0526
Detritus is not a pet



Join Date: Sep 2004 <------- See here?
Location: Puerto Rico
Posts: 363


I could argue is the other way around You know I'm just kidding

[nanogurl]

heheheh I know I was teasin =)

[nanogurl]

Originally Posted by Bender 2

I went with 1/2" HDPE from US Plastics. It is much cheaper that the Starboard and with the 1/2" thickness you won't have to worry about the edges curling up. As far as discoloring or breaking down fron the UV, I wouldn't worry about it, it will be covered with coraline in no time.

Yea, that's a godo point. Okay, 1/2" it is. Thanks!

[Berggy]

Originally Posted by crvz

I left quite a gap compared to others I've heard... almost 1" all the way around, and I did not bother to secure it in place by any means. Some folks take the time to but silicon around the edge to create a gasket of sorts (the silicone will not bond to the cutting board), but I just didnt think it was worth it.

how long has it been?
any regrets?