I converted my 90 to a starboard bottom last winter. While I liked the initial look of it, it didn't take very long for the coralline to grow and start to cover it up...there are even some zoo's spreading from the rock. I think it looks good now...

coralline
 

How long do you think it actually took the coralline to grow over the bottom? Which look do you prefer?

This sounds really interesting! Steve, if you're ever interested in doing something like this, i'd like to give you a hand so maybe this is something I can consider doing when i'm ready.

wish i read this before i put argonite in my new 180. Had it all settled down and water was clear until i hooked up all my plumbing, now it looks like it will never be clear again. flow isn't even that fast yet.Not sure what to do.

Jaws: It remained fairly white for a couple of months, then the coralline started to grow....a little here and there...but before long (a few more months), most of the starboard is covered. I can't remember when I took out the DSB...about 5 months ago???...I am most intrigued by the way the zoos are dispersing over the bottom...on the rock they are bunched up but they appear to be "looking" for room on the starboard by spreading out a bit.

I liked the look when it was new...it made the tank appear brighter...there was a small amount of brown algae in spots for a couple of weeks...my snails eventually cleaned this up, after which the coralline took over...I am going to try to get some GSP's to grow on it next.

Cheers.

pics
 

Got any before and after or progression pics by any chance?

Unfortunately, I never seem to have time to take pictures on a regular basis, let alone get them from the camera to the computer and onto the internet...

Why Starboard???
 

Just curious why people are using Starboard and not other types of plastics IE: Sintra, ABS, PVC

I called PlasticWorks in Surrey and got quoted the following prices for the following types of plastics:
- white Sintra 4x8 sheet is $92 (didnt get thickness for the price quote but they come in 3mm to 6 mm and up)
- black ABS 1/8" is $55 for 4x8 sheet
- shite Starboard 1/2" is $163 for a half sheet (appro 4x8)
- gray PVC 1/8" is $34 for half sheet
- white Sanalite (similar to Starboard) us $150 for half sheet of 4x5

I'm thinking either the ABS or Sintra would work just as well. ABS is black but will get covered with coralline very quickly - it should provide impact protection at 1/4 inch. The sintra will float but if its weighed down by rocks, shouldn't be a problem - its also good for impact absorbtion since its relatively soft

Looking for thoughts/ideas..........

Re: Why Starboard???
 

I understand why folks would use starboard or similar products in a bare bottom tank, and that is to more evenly distibute the weight of the rock over a larger area. I'm thinking, though, that unless the starboard is siliconed all around the perimeter to the tank walls, detritus will accumulate under the starboard :confused:

Turning it into a terrarium for our hallway.