[APD] Re: Rubber baseboard in tank

[Bill Wichers <billw at waveform_net>]

> One idea is to use that rubber baseboard stuff you can buy at Home Depot. I
> looked at it today and noticed it was all colored somehow. So I have two
> questions:
>
> 1. Would it deteriorate over time?

Yes, it will get hard and crack. It will probably also leach things into 
the water as it deteriorates. I wouldn't use it in a tank myself.

> 2. Would it contaminate the water in some way, making it dangerous for the
> fish?

Most likely, although I can't say I've tried it. It is best to only use FDA 
approved materials in a tank (FDA approved for food service use), as these 
materials won't leach toxic substances.

> Anyone have any ideas on this? Perhaps something already exists to handle
> this problem and I've just never found it in my searches. Hmf.

Better solution: use pieces of LDPE or HDPE (Low or High Density 
Polyethylene, respectively). The material is *very* inexpensive -- cheaper 
even than acrylic, and can be formed into shape BY HAND WITHOUT HEAT in the 
thinner sizes. It is durable, not brittle, and rigid enough to make a great 
barrier in a substrate. You can even get it in black (UV resistant) if you 
want.

I would suggest you get some strips of 1/16" thick LDPE from a plastics 
supply place. I have had good luck with http://www.usplastics.com They list 
a 1/16" thick 24" x 48" sheet of LDPE at $6.97, and the same size in HDPE 
is $5.64 (either should work for your application). You can cut the thin 
sheets with tin snips or even durable scissors (it will help if they have 
serrations). If you have a paper cutter that should work really well since 
the material is soft enough to be cut with one.

All you need to do is cut strips in the size you need, then stick them in 
the substrate. If you bend the sheet sharply over a form (like the edge of 
a table), it will hold the bend a little and make it easier to keep a sharp 
bend with minimal support. The material is FDA approved, inexpensive, and 
easy to work with and has ideal properties for your application.

     -Bill


*****************************
Waveform Technology
UNIX Systems Administrator

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