HPDE vs ABS vs Nothing

[KENNYSREEF]

Hi All!

Setting up a barebottom tank, and wanted to checkin to see what are everyones thoughts on using

ABS (like BRS did) or HPDE/KingBoard (like WWC did) or just nothing on the bottom when setting up a barebottom tank.

Anyone have experience with either of the first two options? Does ABS warp?

 

[reefsaver]

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene):
Pros:
Durability: ABS is a strong material and resistant to impact.
Non-Toxic: Safe for use in aquariums.
Ease of Cleaning: Smooth surface makes it easy to clean.
Cons:
Warping: ABS can warp under certain conditions, especially if it's thin or if the tank has large temperature fluctuations.
UV Sensitivity: Prolonged exposure to UV light can degrade ABS over time.
HDPE/KingBoard (High-Density Polyethylene):
Pros:
Durability: Highly resistant to impact, chemicals, and moisture.
No Warping: Less prone to warping compared to ABS.
Non-Toxic: Safe for use in aquariums.
Ease of Cleaning: Smooth, non-porous surface that resists algae and detritus buildup.
Cons:
Cost: Generally more expensive than ABS.
Availability: May be harder to find in the desired thickness and size.
Recommendations:
ABS: If you choose ABS, ensure it's thick enough to prevent warping and avoid direct sunlight to reduce UV exposure.
HDPE/KingBoard: This is generally the more robust option, with higher resistance to warping and chemicals. It's particularly good if you expect your tank to have varying temperatures or if you want a long-term solution.
Personal Experience:
Many aquarists have found success with both ABS and HDPE/KingBoard. The choice often comes down to personal preference, budget, and the specific conditions of your tank.
ABS: Some users report warping issues over time, especially if the sheets are thin.
HDPE/KingBoard: Generally positive feedback for its stability and ease of use.
Ultimately, either ABS or HDPE/KingBoard can work well for a bare-bottom tank. If budget allows, HDPE/KingBoard is usually the more reliable choice. If you go with ABS, ensure it's adequately thick and protected from UV light to minimize the risk of warping.

 

[Solo McReefer]

Does ABS warp

Yes

 

[Saltees]

HDPE is my go to. Non toxic and it lasts over a century.

 

[GlassMunky]

Nothing why take up extra space to just have another bottom pane. Makes no sense to me

 

[Doctorgori]

nothing,
I was going to use PVC board but even if the bottom glass gets scratched I couldn’t see the upside.
…I used “machined” rock with one side flat for covering most of my bare bottom …with cyphrastrea & monti frags on them

 

[REEFRIED!]

Nothing

 

[KENNYSREEF]

Nothing why take up extra space to just have another bottom pane. Makes no sense to me

I think some people do it to protect the glass. I’m indifferent but I’ve just seen some do it.

 

[KENNYSREEF]

HDPE is my go to. Non toxic and it lasts over a century.

I feel like it’s difficult to find larger pieces of HPDE.

 

[GARRIGA]

Could just paint the outside of the bottom and avoid the hassle of getting a perfect cut to fit.

 

[KENNYSREEF]

HDPE is my go to. Non toxic and it lasts over a century.

Do you bead the edges with silicone? Or just the bottom?

 

[Solo McReefer]

Do you bead the edges with silicone? Or just the bottom?

Is either necessary?

The rock is going to hold it down

 

[KENNYSREEF]

Is either necessary?

The rock is going to hold it down

Agree that rock holds it down, but the reason is typically to stop detritus from creeping underneath the ABS/HPDE board from the edges as it could built up over time. Some annoyance in doing ABS/HPDE for sure.

Seems like just plain glass is just easier..

 

[Solo McReefer]

Not a lot of detritis is going to fit between the sheet and the glass

Crossed my mind

Then crossed off the things I worry about

I don't worry about it

Just tell yourself, it is a pod refuge. That might work

 

[Solo McReefer]

I am having AluFab cut mine when they make my stand, btw

They put HDPE stand tops and bottoms on their stands

I could cut it myself, but I don't want to

 

[Saltees]

Do you bead the edges with silicone? Or just the bottom?

Just at the bottom…5mm thick sheet.

 

[reefsaver]

nothing,
I was going to use PVC board but even if the bottom glass gets scratched I couldn’t see the upside.
…I used “machined” rock with one side flat for covering most of my bare bottom …with cyphrastrea & monti frags on them

This sounds like a very awesome idea. I had always thought of using something like flat marine pure bricks and covering the botting with that so it'd be too dense to allow too much detritus into it while still providing the benefit a substrate would.