starboard thickness

nanogurl · 01-10-2008, 09:22 PM

Does it matter what size thickness for starboard? Will 1/4" work or would 3/8" or 1/2" work better?

Thanks!

crvz · 01-11-2008, 06:34 AM

It shouldnt matter. How big is the tank? I may increase the size if it's a larger tank (mostly for handling), but I think it would be as effective regardless.

nanogurl · 01-11-2008, 07:17 AM

120 tech. Thanks for the response!

crvz · 01-11-2008, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nanogurl

120 tech. Thanks for the response!

No problem! I've got a 150, and I'm trying to remember how thick my cutting board is. I want to say it's 1/2", but I'd have to go measure it. I bought mine from www.cuttingboardcompany.com. Seeing that 1/2" is the smallest they sell for custom boards, I'm pretty confident that it's the size I've got.

nanogurl · 01-11-2008, 07:38 AM

Okay thanks, I will check them out. I got a quote for 1/4" for like $75 so I wasn't sure if I really needed anything bigger since i'm just using it for looks.

Thanks again =)

crvz · 01-11-2008, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nanogurl

Okay thanks, I will check them out. I got a quote for 1/4" for like $75 so I wasn't sure if I really needed anything bigger since i'm just using it for looks.

Thanks again =)

The one I got was around $110 shipped if I recall, and yours would be shorter. Good luck figuring it out (though, honestly, that's the most fun for me). Is this a new build that you're working on?

OIIIIIO · 01-11-2008, 07:48 AM

I've heard that the thinner stuff can curl at the edges over time. I got mine from usplastics. It's not the starboard brand, but it is HDPE and FDA approved for foods.

nanogurl · 01-11-2008, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crvz

The one I got was around $110 shipped if I recall, and yours would be shorter. Good luck figuring it out (though, honestly, that's the most fun for me). Is this a new build that you're working on?

Thanks for the info. Yea, it's a new setup. I am going to make a 120g in-wall at our new house. Trying to figure out things now!

Did you cut your starboard yourself, or did they cut out the sections for you?

nanogurl · 01-11-2008, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OIIIIIO

I've heard that the thinner stuff can curl at the edges over time. I got mine from usplastics. It's not the starboard brand, but it is HDPE and FDA approved for foods.

What size thickness did you go with?

crvz · 01-11-2008, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nanogurl

Thanks for the info. Yea, it's a new setup. I am going to make a 120g in-wall at our new house. Trying to figure out things now!

Did you cut your starboard yourself, or did they cut out the sections for you?

Don't start talking about new houses or you'll make me want one. All our friends seem to be getting new places, and I'm quite jellos (which is the way to spell jealous at TRT).

The only cuts I made were for the overflows. It was quite easy to do with a jigsaw. But when I ordered it, I made sure to measure the inside and leave enough space for the silicone seam along the bottom. 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.

OIIIIIO · 01-11-2008, 08:14 AM

I was told to go no thinner than 1/2". However, I went with 3/8" for my 75g. I kinda wish I had gone thicker so I could drill holes part way into it to put in pegs to raise the LR off the floor. I'll end up drilling the LR for the pegs instead. I haven't cut it to fit yet. I have to borrow a friends table saw for that since I can't seem to cut a straight line with a circular saw.

nanogurl · 01-11-2008, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crvz

Don't start talking about new houses or you'll make me want one. All our friends seem to be getting new places, and I'm quite jellos (which is the way to spell jealous at TRT).

The only cuts I made were for the overflows. It was quite easy to do with a jigsaw. But when I ordered it, I made sure to measure the inside and leave enough space for the silicone seam along the bottom. 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.

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

Sorry, no more talk about nouses =) (which is the way we spell new houses in nanogurl land lol)

nanogurl · 01-11-2008, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OIIIIIO

I was told to go no thinner than 1/2". However, I went with 3/8" for my 75g. I kinda wish I had gone thicker so I could drill holes part way into it to put in pegs to raise the LR off the floor. I'll end up drilling the LR for the pegs instead. I haven't cut it to fit yet. I have to borrow a friends table saw for that since I can't seem to cut a straight line with a circular saw.

That's a good idea.. what kinda pegs are you gonna use?

nanogurl · 01-11-2008, 08:36 AM

Also, does it need to be UV rated?

OIIIIIO · 01-11-2008, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nanogurl

That's a good idea.. what kinda pegs are you gonna use?

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nanogurl

Also, does it need to be UV rated?

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.