Black eggcrate / light diffuser

georgiajams · 02-28-2003, 11:44 AM

Anyone know who carries *black* eggcrate sheets in the Atlanta area? I hear the white version is available at HD, but the black is supposedly harder to come by.

If you aren't sure what I'm talking about, an example of the white version of eggcrate can be seen here (I just did a google search to find a picture of it, not my website or anything):
http://severe.wso.net/tank/diary/entryone.htm

-Chris

ckreef · 03-01-2003, 12:29 AM

Not sure what you are planning on using the egg-crate for.

If for keeping fish from jumping ------

Lowes caries dark brown, plastic gutter gaurd. It has approx 1/4" squares and comes in rolls 6 inches wide by 20 feet long for very cheap.

Not sure if that will help you but thought I would give the suggestion just in case.

Charles

georgiajams · 03-02-2003, 06:05 PM

>Not sure what you are planning on using the egg-crate for.

The more I read about it, the more I think about all the neat uses. My main experiment right now, however, is to do something similar to what Robert Metelsky suggests in his "Simplified Reefkeeping" book. http://www.simplifiedreefkeeping.com/

Basically, he likes to build his reefs using the eggcrate as a base elevated above PVC to improve circulation and easy removal of detritus.

-Chris

JennM · 03-02-2003, 06:33 PM

I have that book - interesting concept about the "rack" for rock...

Doesn't matter what colour you use, if you do it right it will all be purple with coralline in no time anyway

Jenn

Heyoo · 03-03-2003, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JennM
I have that book - interesting concept about the "rack" for rock...

Doesn't matter what colour you use, if you do it right it will all be purple with coralline in no time anyway

Jenn

I made a rack out of the white eggcrate a few years ago. It still supports my rock pile in my 90. Sure - parts of it have coralline on it - but for the most part, its still white. (This might be an indication that my calcium level is too low)
If you do a good enough job with stacking rocks, you can completely hide the eggcrate. The fish do swim under it, and seem to like the hiding space.

wildernet · 03-03-2003, 02:19 PM

I have seen it at LOWES. I went with the white though, let me know the black (chrome) does.

georgiajams · 03-03-2003, 03:29 PM

I'll run by Lowes in the next day or so to see what they have. Did you mean actually chrome stuff or black? Apparently there is a flat black version, not the mirror looking stuff. I may just mail order it if I don't see it readily available. Lifereef.com carries it and so does Modern Plastics (1-800-243-9696).

I've heard of people using other similar materials, like the crates that bread is delivered to grocery stores on, but I have absoultely no idea who would have that.

-Chris

Heyoo · 03-03-2003, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wildernet
I have seen it at LOWES. I went with the white though, let me know the black (chrome) does.

Whoa - Black and Chrome are two separate animals. The Black stuff is actually black plastic. The chrome is a white eggcrate with a chrome plating that can flake off into tanks. I'm not sure what's in the "chrome" plating, but it probably isn't good in your aquarium.

Heyoo · 03-03-2003, 04:06 PM

Here's an idea - find the price of the black eggcrate, find out what shipping charges are, and see if anyone else here wants to order a sheet. Maybe you can find some people who want it, and will split the shipping. Hey, if its cheap enough, I might want a sheet.

J

Quote:

Originally posted by georgiajams
I'll run by Lowes in the next day or so to see what they have. Did you mean actually chrome stuff or black? Apparently there is a flat black version, not the mirror looking stuff. I may just mail order it if I don't see it readily available. Lifereef.com carries it and so does Modern Plastics (1-800-243-9696).

I've heard of people using other similar materials, like the crates that bread is delivered to grocery stores on, but I have absoultely no idea who would have that.

-Chris

wildernet · 03-04-2003, 07:28 AM

The type I am talking about is the reflective chrome. I am not sure why black would be a good choice. Please fill me in. I got white for my tank due to it's reflective nature. Black absorbs color. Well to some extent anyway.

georgiajams · 03-04-2003, 07:56 AM

The reports I've gotten is that the black blends in a little better than the white. I don't think reflectivity matters since it will be under the rock anyway. The theory is that you should be able to cover most of the eggcrate, but it is probably hard to completely cover it when viewing at certain angles.

wildemon · 03-04-2003, 08:20 AM

Please do not use chrome plated diffuser grid. The metallic coating will surely leach out and damage your lifestock. The black is hard to see in the shadows and its artificial structure disappears. That is why it is recommended. There is no functional difference beween any of them but the chrome [do no use] will not glue until the coating is removed. The white is easy to find and will look algae funky in no time. Black looks better in an empty new tank in the showroom.

wildernet · 03-04-2003, 09:19 AM

I thought this was being used as a light diffuser!

cyberchef · 03-04-2003, 11:13 AM

My plenum and the rock work supports are made with white eggcrate. They are working fine and since you can't see any of it, the color hasn't made a difference. Also what little bit of the rockwork support that has been exposed is covered in coraline algae.

georgiajams · 03-04-2003, 11:29 AM

Cyberchef: Did you actually make rock supports out of the eggcrate too? I saw your plenum pics, but that's not my goal. Mine is more geared towards rock support.

Black eggcrate / light diffuser

nyet chrome