Where to buy starboard

[dc_909]

Where do most of you get your starboard?

Can you get it at HD or Lowes?

What is the "real" name of it?

[wardworld]

I'm pretty sure you can get it at most boating/marine-type stores...I think you can get it at HD/Lowes (although, now that I think about it, I've never seen it there)...I've also heard it called PVC Plywood...It tends to be pretty expensive per sq inch, but completely corrosion resistant.
What size piece do you need?

[dc_909]

It will be for a 120 (48x24)

What is the best way to attach it to the bottom? Are you using silicon around the edges or siliconing the entire bottom, like glue?

[King-Kong]

I cut mine well short of the tank's edge (1.5"), and bevelled it 45 degrees to help reduce the impact it makes on flow.

The larger channels allow more flow in, and I dont have any detritus settling because of it.

edit: to add, I just use the weight of the rocks to keep it down. It is not glued.

[dc_909]

Where did you get it from?

[wardworld]

I don't actually use any in my tank (sorry), but I do use it in the bottom of my stand as its impervious to water...I cut it almost the same size and then used silicon on the edges - keeps the water from reaching the bottom wood of the stand...

[areze]

I paid 65$ shipped for 1/4" 24x54"...

looks like they changed their setup though, no more quarter sheet, now you have to get 2x4' and its 64$ for the starboard alone, plus shipping, that sucks!

http://www.buckwoodcraft.com/

[30reef]

"Starboard" is a name brand of HDPE (high density poly ethylene)
You can get it at most any plastics supplier. It is also used in the restaurant industry as cutting board material. HD and Lowes doesn't have it. Do a Goggle search for it.

[dc_909]

Would you recommend 1/4 or 1/2 inch thickness?

[areze]

1/4" seemed plenty for me, its enough to distribute the weight and to look cool.

it does bend; easier to get it into the tank I figure.

[King-Kong]

I purchased mine from http://www.aquaticeco.com/

Also, my cutting boards did not seem to be the same material as my Starboard... at least the textures felt different and the cutting wasnt the same. I am not so sure they are in fact the same as cutting board (but cutting board is just as good).

[old salty]

I recently purchased a custom cut piece from the cutting board factory dot com. More than likely, I will place silicone around the entire edge.

[Iammatt219]

From waht I was told there are several types of HDPE. again I was told the most important thing is to make sure that it is UV resistant. For example usplastics sells many differnt types of HDPE but the brand which is uv resistant is seaboard

[hawaiianwargod]

Originally posted by old salty
I recently purchased a custom cut piece from the cutting board factory dot com. More than likely, I will place silicone around the entire edge.

I went to TAP plastics in my area because they carry Starboards but according to them silicone or any type of glue will only work temporarily on starboards.

[old salty]

Originally posted by hawaiianwargod
I went to TAP plastics in my area because they carry Starboards but according to them silicone or any type of glue will only work temporarily on starboards.

No kidding? I wonder why that is. My initial plan was to put a bead of silicone around the entire thing to keep water from getting underneath (which it will eventually do.) Now I may have to rethink this.

[30reef]

I don't think UV resistance is an issue, it will get covered with crud and algae in time anyway. I did run a bead of silicone around the perimeter to keep detritus from getting under there, after 6 months, the silicone is still intact and is clean on the underside. I put 1/4" on the bottom of my tank primarily as an insulator for the glass against breakage in the event of a rockslide or ?. It also helps the LR grip and not slide around.