Using Egg Crate under substrate

shimek182

shimek182

AC Members
Aug 5, 2012
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Richmond, Texas
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Sarah Shimek
I'm setting up a 55gallon freshwater cichlid tank and I wanted to know y'alls thoughts on using Egg Crate for the bottom of the tank to support the weight of heavy rocks.
One of my limestone rocks weighs about 40lbs. Does the weight of this rock warrant the use of a padding underneath to disperse the weight?
After extensive research on the topic, I have found the opinion to be 50/50 on whether or not to use it. Has anyone had any experience with this?
Thanks,
Sarah
 
I don't have experience using it, but since folks with marine tanks use it to put under the live rock, I can't see how it'd be something you needed to avoid. I plan to use egg crate when I set up my marine tank.
 
Always a primary decision to use it when establishing any tank with significant rock work...more so with cichlids.
 
It is a very good idea. It distributes the weight of the rocks over a larger area.
 
In addition to dispersing the weight, it means that digging fish can't cause rocks to fall and hit the bottom pane. No one regrets a safety measure they never use...just the ones they wish they had.
 
ABSOLUTE must. They dig, dig, dig, especially mbunas, and you want your rock with something to fall on and displace the weight.
 
whether or not it's good, it looks horrible if the cichlids move your substrate and expose it.
 
authmal said:
True, but better exposed egg crate that can be covered than shattered tank.
Click to expand...

hmmm... thick layer of silicon ftw! haven't had any time to think of the drawbacks (besides permanence)

edit: price also
 
got it! fill and cover the egg crate with silicone, then press some of your substrate into the top of it to make a thin permanent layer. It's removable, and the excessive digging will never expose anything ugly... unless they are relentless and are able to rip the sand out of the silicone... give this a test run for us please!:thm:
 
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