Starting to think about the next tank...

[discocarp]

My last tank was a 125g bare bottom. I had great success. Currently the tank has been broken down as we are moving very soon. All of my stuff is in my brother's tank currently (which is also BB). For my next tank, I am upgrading to at least a 180 (and probably a bit bigger).

Here's my pickle. I want to run BB again, but I just don't like the look. I thought it would grow on me, but it hasn't. However, I absolutely LOVE the method. I'm not sure what to do.

Any suggestions? I really, really don't want a SSB. I absolutely refuse to go with a DSB. I don't like the faux sand beds very much either. Are there any aquascaping solutions? I think its the large, open starboard areas that really get to me. They're just too... regular. Is anyone scattering some small rock pieces about to break it up?

[YLChik]

what about growing zoas on the bottom? like a pretty carpet?

[frankandmaura]

I think in the 17,000 Reefzilla thread, Bill mentions (and shows) that in one of his old tanks he used some spray foam on the back wall of the tank (to mimic live rock). I wondered if that would be toxic to the tank (never went further than wondering about it). I have tought about this for me in the future, possibly...if it is not toxic, you could spray foam on the bottom in just about any configuration (no?). This would give it some depth and interest. I think it would be really cool!

[discocarp]

I've definately considered that, although with something like an encrusting monti rather than any softy. I have 2 concerns. Is detritus going to blow off this as easy as starboard (or at least sufficiently). Second, I'm afraid it will still look a little flat and regular.

One idea I was toying with was a few pieces of rubble scattered about. Nothing crazy like a full rubble bottom or anything, just something to break up the flat areas. Then some encrusting corals to cover the strategic spots of rubble and/or starboard. I'm just not artistically gifted enough to visualize it. I'm not sure why I'd like that any more than various corals on the starboard like I had previously used to try and break up these areas.

[discocarp]

I've seen that foam used before on the backs. It looks cool. I think delbeek/sprung talk about its use (forget which volume). I'm not sure how it would work on the bottom though. Wouldn't it have lots of pockets to collect detritus on the bottom? Unlike the faux sand bed, its not epoxied to be mostly smooth.

[frankandmaura]

Originally Posted by discocarp

I've seen that foam used before on the backs. It looks cool. I think delbeek/sprung talk about its use (forget which volume). I'm not sure how it would work on the bottom though. Wouldn't it have lots of pockets to collect detritus on the bottom? Unlike the faux sand bed, its not epoxied to be mostly smooth.

I guess it would depend on how the foam comes out...you could potentially epoxy paint over it, no? I am sure there are ways to make it smoother so you don't have all kinds of small pockets.

[ckusnierek]

I have seen cement back wall covers that mimic ocean cliffs. I wonder if you can do somthing like that on the bottom?

Get yourself some concrete and cruched shells and mold 2,3,or 4 pieces that will fill the bottom tightly. Make them 1/2~3/4". you can form them anyway you want. I'm sure it won't take lone for coraline to cover them.

[hng]

I have some pillars and randomly placed rocks on my bottom to kinda mimic what you would see on a reef and to help break up the flat empty bottom. Helps to give the tank more depth too instead of the giant rock wall that you usually see in most tanks.

[discocarp]

I appreciate the advice, but I think the faux bottoms (foam/cement/sand) aren't the direction I want to go.

I don't like the rock wall look either, but I seem to end up with it anyway lol. hng, do you have any closeup pictures of what you are talking about? I tried to wade through your build thread, but I only found full tank shots. I like the look.

[trueblackpercula]

has anyone metioned startboard?

[discocarp]

I have starboard on my 125, so I'm familiar with it. I'll probably put starboard down on the new tank too, I'm just looking for something else as well.