need some ideals on a diy drip plate.

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D

Dreaco

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jul 12, 2007
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Kentucky
ok so I have a 75 gallon tank that I made into a sump. Currently im using plastic gutter guards for the drip plate, but they are not working they way I want them to.

So heres my question could styrofoam (spelling?) be used as a drip plate? I have several large containers laying around that I picked up to move my fish, would it hurt to use one for the drip plate??? I have to be positive on this because it will be for a tank that houses angels and discus.


Thanks in advance for any help.

Robert
 
Interesting post. I googled styrofoam, and came across information on chemical composition including benzene, a carcinogen. Not sure if constant flow will leach any into water flow, it could be stabilized or converted into harmless within the finished material.

As an alternative, a cut piece of plexiglass with drilled holes would work with a bit of effort.
 
macktab;1567357; said:
Interesting post. I googled styrofoam, and came across information on chemical composition including benzene, a carcinogen. Not sure if constant flow will leach any into water flow, it could be stabilized or converted into harmless within the finished material.

As an alternative, a cut piece of plexiglass with drilled holes would work with a bit of effort.
Click to expand...

thanks, I am just trying to avoid the hassle and time of drilling a piece of plexi only to have it break.
 
Styrofoam is inert and FDA approved for potable water in it's finished form.

If your considering melting holes in the Styrofoam do it in a very well ventilated area.

If it's cracking during the drilling process using .250" plexy, a slower drill speed (sharp drill bit of course) and clamping the plexy down will help.

Egg crate can also work with stiffer filter material on top.

I hear rumors of a plastic pegboard at HD or Lowes too. I think CHOMPERS has used it on hear.

Dr Joe

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Dr Joe;1567532; said:
Styrofoam is inert and FDA approved for potable water in it's finished form.

If your considering melting holes in the Styrofoam do it in a very well ventilated area.

If it's cracking during the drilling process using .250" plexy, a slower drill speed (sharp drill bit of course) and clamping the plexy down will help.

Egg crate can also work with stiffer filter material on top.

I hear rumors of a plastic pegboard at HD or Lowes too. I think CHOMPERS has used it on hear.

Dr Joe

.
Click to expand...

thanks dr joe, I was actually just going to drill holes in the foam. what im really not sure about was the alge build up on the syrofoam.
 
I have used egg crate and plastic sheeting to make effective drip trays. Plastic sheeting can be folded several times and a paper hole punch used to make holes.

I have also used undergravel plates and some dacron sheets effectively.
 
I have found that styrofoam starts to fall apart over time, especially if you ever have to move or clean it. Little tiny balls of foam can get to be a pain in the rear.
For that reason I use the pink home insulation foam for sump covers, etcetera. It won't fall apart like the bigger cell styrofoam.
 
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