Is Styrofoam Reef Safe?

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by Delmarva_Paintball, Dec 3, 2008.

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  1. Delmarva_Paintball

    Delmarva_Paintball Plankton

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    I am in the process of constructing my new 90 reef tank.

    I want to use some styrofoam inside a part of the tank. The hard open cell stuff that comes in white or green. They usually sell it for crafts.

    My question is: Does anyone know of any longterm negative effects of styrofoam of this sort being in a reef tank?

    Thanks in advance for any replies.
     
    Delmarva_Paintball, Dec 3, 2008
    Delmarva_Paintball, Dec 3, 2008
    #1

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  2. reefman1132

    reefman1132 Skunk Shrimp

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    They sell those cutout things but you;d be missing out on the LR filtering.
     
    reefman1132, Dec 3, 2008
    reefman1132, Dec 3, 2008
    #2
  3. Delmarva_Paintball

    Delmarva_Paintball Plankton

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    Won't bacteria grow on the styrofoam?

    Either way, I intend on having rock as well but that made me think of another question.

    How much below the surface of a rock does nitrification occur? Does water actually get all the way to the center of a rock? I know live rock is pourous but is it permiable?
     
    Delmarva_Paintball, Dec 3, 2008
    Delmarva_Paintball, Dec 3, 2008
    #3
  4. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Denitrification happens on the surface of the rock. Porous rock has more surface area. In your situation there are commercial products out there that are pre-made sfoam backgrounds. And someone has posted about it here on 3reef somewhere. Try using the search tool. Just taking a common sense look at your original question, I would say that a "closed (or 0) cell" product is what you would want. And the only downside I can see is losing water volume. And I think they are ugly.....
     
    missionsix, Dec 3, 2008
    missionsix, Dec 3, 2008
    #4
  5. Delmarva_Paintball

    Delmarva_Paintball Plankton

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    Exactly the info I was looking for. Thanks a heap.

    I also intend on fixing the ugly part.
     
    Delmarva_Paintball, Dec 3, 2008
    Delmarva_Paintball, Dec 3, 2008
    #5
  6. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    missionsix, Dec 3, 2008
    missionsix, Dec 3, 2008
    #6