Anyone w/experience using Reef Ceramics vs. Aragocrete(?) in sps dominated tank?

sugartooth · #1 11/16/2007, 01:45 AM

I remember reading a few comments here and there, but get these two mixed up. Are they made out of the same material but from different manufacturers?

I thought I recall something about prolonged cycle or water quality issues? Is this better for fish only tanks?

I'm looking to use the large pieces to cover back wall of the tank.

Would pond foam be a better option?

Thanks in advance for the input.....

Sara B · #2 11/16/2007, 10:06 AM

I too recall reading about the back plates of the Reef Ceramics leaching phosphates into the tank and people having issues from it. I believe someone with a TOTM had pulled them after having issues with them as well. I went with the pond foam instead!

tanya72806 · #3 11/16/2007, 10:14 AM

Do not use them. My friend had them in his tank and had nothing but bad issues with them. leached out PO4 and trates and caused bleaching. Then another guy from my other forum started his tank out with them and had a ton of issues with them and his corals.

sugartooth · #4 11/16/2007, 11:07 AM

Thanks for the feedback, is this specific to Reef Ceramics or does this also apply to the aragocrete (ORA?)

Sara, did you use any sand on your pond foam? Would the only reason to include sand with pond foam be to increase the weight?

Sara B · #5 11/16/2007, 11:17 AM

I have not heard anything about the aragocrete.

No, I didn't add sand or anything else to my pondfoam. Some do it to add texture or change the color of it. In the end it all gets covered with coralline algae and turns purple, so I didn't see the point to waste the extra steps.

Do you have a glass tank or an acrylic? Also, if you are going to the CMAS Swap this Saturday, we can speak in person too. LMK.

sugartooth · #6 11/16/2007, 11:23 AM

Thanks again Sara. I was thinking of cutting out acrylic template of the back, covering that with pondfoam, and then sliding that over the existing back. That way, I can take it all out if I wanted to.

For some reason, I thought adding the sand was to keep some parts of the foam from floating away? I think I saw someone trying to use the foam+live rock, and when he picked up the foam, it would just crumble. I figured the sand would help it stay a bit more solid.

The tank will be acrylic. Unfortunately, I will not be attending the swap. However, thank you for offering to talk to me more about it, much appreciated!

tanya72806 · #7 11/16/2007, 11:25 AM

Me neither I am talkin about the RC only

pito · #8 11/16/2007, 02:18 PM

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...hreadid=993625

mike89t · #9 11/19/2007, 03:54 PM

I've got them in my tank. I've had some strange algae problems but after about 2 years it has started to get better. I'm not sure if it was the ceramics or poor maintence on my part.

speedstar · #10 11/19/2007, 05:37 PM

I am just offering my opinion that problems could very by batch, depending on how the ceramic was fired.

sugartooth · #11 11/19/2007, 06:42 PM

Mike, looks very nice in your tank!

Thanks for the link, I started reading it and need to finish. I was leaning towards pond foam...but I could have sworn there were complaints about long term integrity with the foam (breaking apart and floating away).

I didn't get the aragocrete correct, I think it's GARF that makes it.