DuffyGeos March 14, 2014 Share March 14, 2014 The Quick question (like there is ever a quick question in this hobby)- I have to put together a tank build thread, which I will do, and will cover all of this in the build later. I have Adam with Artfully Acrylic building me a 300g tank 96" x 30" x 24" tank that will be in the wall and viewed from both sides. I am going to have exterior overflows on both ends that will have black acrylic to cover the pipes. My question is what color should I do the bottom? I am thinking I want a little sand for wrasses, but I don't care if it gets blown around. I am looking to have a heavy fish bioload, and see what I can do with some SPS. This may change, but that is where I am at the moment. Right now it is suppose to be clear, but I keep going back and forth with a black or white bottom option. The white would reflect the light, but might be hard to keep clean if it is seen. The black would hide "dirt" and scratches better, but would absorb light. Or do I go clear and paint the wood below a bright white or black? What are your opinions? Thanks, Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brad908 March 14, 2014 Share March 14, 2014 White. The light reflection and blending with the sand. Eventually both will get covered in coraline anyway, so at least when you clean it, the white will still blend with the sand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DuffyGeos March 14, 2014 Author Share March 14, 2014 White. The light reflection and blending with the sand. Eventually both will get covered in coraline anyway, so at least when you clean it, the white will still blend with the sand. That is one thing I was wondering about. I also think it will not show as many scratches as a clear bottom. thanks for your input Brad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zygote2k March 14, 2014 Share March 14, 2014 I have a white bottomed tank and to be honest, I never pay it much attention since it looks like white sand to most people. Algae grows on it and then gets covered up with other stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YHSublime March 14, 2014 Share March 14, 2014 I agree with white. I also agree with after a year, it won't matter what you choose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DuffyGeos March 14, 2014 Author Share March 14, 2014 OK- so far it is: 3 whites 1 clear (PM from DCReefer1964 before I posted this and he thought I should poll people)- good idea! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smallreef March 14, 2014 Share March 14, 2014 Another question...is there going to be trim around the bottom of the tank? If not then you'll have a white bottom seam with the clear side seams...personally I wouldn't like that...but I do have OCD about stupid things,lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DuffyGeos March 14, 2014 Author Share March 14, 2014 (edited) Another question...is there going to be trim around the bottom of the tank? If not then you'll have a white bottom seam with the clear side seams...personally I wouldn't like that...but I do have OCD about stupid things,lol Have not decided yet. I will have 2 sheets of 3/4" plywood painted white, and I might have a layer of Azek composite on top of that. I just received a sump that is white on the bottom and ends, but is clear on the sides and the baffles. Looks pretty cool...and it is a monster 65" x 29" x 20" ! I might start a poll on how many reefers have ADD, ADHD, & OCD.....it comes up a lot. I would have the ADD & OCD symptoms. Edited March 14, 2014 by DuffyGeos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surf&turf March 15, 2014 Share March 15, 2014 Have not decided yet. I will have 2 sheets of 3/4" plywood painted white, and I might have a layer of Azek composite on top of that. I just received a sump that is white on the bottom and ends, but is clear on the sides and the baffles. Looks pretty cool...and it is a monster 65" x 29" x 20" ! I might start a poll on how many reefers have ADD, ADHD, & OCD.....it comes up a lot. I would have the ADD & OCD symptoms. I think all of us are ADD, ADHA, and OCD to a certain degree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coral Hind March 15, 2014 Share March 15, 2014 I vote clear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Origami March 15, 2014 Share March 15, 2014 Clear, so the edge profile remains clear. Sent from my LG G-Pad 8.3 Google Play Edition Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dante411x March 15, 2014 Share March 15, 2014 Why not go with a PVC bottom? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr.x-ray March 15, 2014 Share March 15, 2014 Clear. It's not going to matter in a year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DuffyGeos March 15, 2014 Author Share March 15, 2014 Update: So here is where we are: White: 3 Clear: 5 PVC: maybe one It seems that so far the Clear bottom people say it won't matter in a year, and the White Bottom people think the light reflection and matching the sand color do help. I assume (which is never safe) that the color of the stand under the clear bottom would matter if the sand is not present. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dante411x March 15, 2014 Share March 15, 2014 Let me make some selling points for PVC: cheaper! lighter! drillable.. this doesn't make too much of a difference from acrylic, but still. not shiny white but dull. so it blends in better. that's all i got Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DuffyGeos March 15, 2014 Author Share March 15, 2014 So I was over at my long lost cousin's house -Steveoutlaw (for real, we are cousins) for our first meeting was today!! He voted for the clear bottom. Soooooo.... Update: So here is where we are: White: 3 Clear: 6 PVC: maybe one Clear is pulling ahead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fscbishop March 15, 2014 Share March 15, 2014 Purple so it blends in with the coralline Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JR-Tanked150 March 15, 2014 Share March 15, 2014 3D picture so it looks like the rocks are coming up from the bottom of the tank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DuffyGeos March 16, 2014 Author Share March 16, 2014 Purple so it blends in with the coralline 3D picture so it looks like the rocks are coming up from the bottom of the tank. Update: So here is where we are: White: 3 Clear: 6 PVC: maybe one Purple: 1 3D: 1 Wait this is getting off track. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DuffyGeos March 16, 2014 Author Share March 16, 2014 So I have decided to stick with the clear bottom tank, and paint the stand white. I will work on getting this build thread together this week if possible. I have promised a lot of people! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now