[Neptune Boulevard]

I have heard that egg crates (you know, the stuff used in overhead florescent light casings?) work really well to absorb the blow of a falling rock if it should occur. Well, I went down to Home Depot today and the egg crate is only about 1/4 inch thick and quite ridgid. Well after searching the store up and down me and my friend came up with a brilliant idea...Armaflex! It's a foamy rubbery pad used to insulate pipes and such. Do you think this would work? Would it mess with my water chemically?

here is a link to the product:

http://www.armaflex.com/www/armacell/armacell.nsf/ansHTMLSeitenLookUp/USA_Frame?OpenDocument

Thanks for your help, this has been an extremely useful site! :dancing: :thumb:

 

[Deeda]

NO!!! If you look at the description, this product contains Microban which says it contains an additive to prevent microorganism growth. Possibly a mildew preventive.

The eggcrate is sometimes used to prevent a rock from hitting the bottom glass in case a rock falls or to prevent a pointy rock from contacting the glass & avoiding a stress point. You don't have to use it.

 

[Neptune Boulevard]

hmmm... i love how its a new feature too, what a load

and here i thought i discovered the new standard in aquarium bottom protection. haha.

Well, i really would feel safe knowing my tank is secure. I'm using large pieces of black obsidian in my tank, and the glass-rock hitting glass scenario has me a little worried...

 

[Neptune Boulevard]

Also...do you believe the microban is only used in the mechanical and marine insulation brands? i see the advert for it stating that it is used for mold protection and duct lining, maybe there is a type without the microban.

 

[prov356]

I'm not sure about that product, but I think you're thinking in a good direction. Some sort of inert mat. It'd need to be siliconed to the tank bottom though, so you wouldn't have detritus getting under it and forming little anaerobic pockets.

Might just be better to take some tempered glass, doesn't have to be very thick, and silicone it to the bottom. Use a thick layer of silicone, say 1/4" or so.

Personally I don' t bother with any of this, but I know there can be occasion where it's critical that every bit of protection should be given to the tank bottom, so there may be cases where it'd give peace of mind. Keep in mind the extra work and the mess it may create if the false bottom does take a hit. You'd save the tank, but still have some tear down and repair work to do on the false bottom if that piece of glass actually cracked or broke.

I'm just careful about not dropping rocks. Seems the easiest solution.

 

[Neptune Boulevard]

i emailed the company and it seems all forms of it would end up harming the fish.

i cant really use silicone as the tank is stocked and its the only one i have, it would just be wayyy too much of a hassle.

i'll keep my thinking cap on though... 8)