Not so bare bottom tank?
 

I just had this idea and wondered if anyone had done something similar and preferably had pictures.

One downside is I don't think I could have a tank without at least one wrasse so sand is always preferable.

I was thinking of covering the bottom of the tank with some marine epoxy and then dumping about 1/4 inch of reef sand on it and letting it dry, possibly building up some deeper areas to give it a bit of depth, then blowing off/cleaning out any loose sand and presto, you have a 'bare bottom' tank that does not look so ugly, (sorry I just can't stand the look of the glass reflecting, painted is ok, but still 'eh' IMO).

Anyone try this? I may have to do this to a 10 or 15g tank i have laying around, or even the 29 I Have.

Mike

I have read of people making "false" bottoms for their tanks. Personally, if I did this, I would make a false bottom outside of the tank. Then I would insert it and silicone it into the tank (assuming it floats). If it doesn't float, I would just place it in the tank then. Maybe use starboard as a backing material?

I have a well established BB tank. Over time, much of the bottom became covered with coralline algae. I don't have a problem with how it looks at all.

I think king kong did this and had issues with silicates leaking from the epoxy, so be sure to research the epoxy you use..

Lots of discussion on this concept here:
[url]http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=392144[/url]