Cali Kid Corals

How to Protect Floor from Water Spills?

MolaMola

MolaMola

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Looking to try out something in front of tanks, plankton culture, and sinks to keep vinyl floor from getting so wet during cleaning and water moving activities. Looking for waterproof, absorbent, quick drying, machine washable, and not too expensive. So far, memory foam bath runner is at the top of my list, thought it looks kinda bulky and comfort is not needed. Until now we have just thrown towels on spills, so I am up for trying something better. (This is for use in a classroom; I am not just super messy.)
 
I have never found anything particularly good.
Most things soak up water, but then do not dry fast, especially with salt water, so you risk mold.

So my recommendation:
Have a couple of full size bath towels dedicated to tank.
Store them nearby
Get in the habit of ALWAYS tossing down a couple BEFORE doing anything, not waiting until after the spill.
Hang them to dry immediately, even just on the side of the tank.
But key - no need to wash them very often. So not adding to laundry hassles.
 
Is it a solid vinyl sheet (roll on floor) or is it segmented (i.e. tiles or floor planks). IF it's a solid sheet then it's pretty much water proof. If there's a slip hazard then put down those kitchen slip mats. I did this in my fish room area not so much for slipping but so that water could go under and then eventually drain, or in your case keep it as slip free as possible, then when kiddos leave school come in with a mop or towels

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Buffalo...Anti-Fatigue-Rubber-Flat-Mat-RMAT35/100648174
 
@rygh that is pretty much what we do. except last year I had a few ocd kids who would pick up the towels before they were stepped on or spent their time endlessly straightening them out with their feet, tripping other kids. (Totally want those kids as teacher aides this year. Imagine the sparkling glassware!) thanks for the suggestion and main point of always putting them down first
 
sfsuphysics said:
Is it a solid vinyl sheet (roll on floor) or is it segmented (i.e. tiles or floor planks). IF it's a solid sheet then it's pretty much water proof. If there's a slip hazard then put down those kitchen slip mats. I did this in my fish room area not so much for slipping but so that water could go under and then eventually drain, or in your case keep it as slip free as possible, then when kiddos leave school come in with a mop or towels

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Buffalo...Anti-Fatigue-Rubber-Flat-Mat-RMAT35/100648174
Click to expand...

Floor Is those tiles like in department and grocery stores. Slippery when wet and also I think repeated saltwater is not good for them. I was hoping to have something to absorb the water and then hang it to dry. Those mats could be good though. I thought those only had a big lip on the side People would trip over but the one you suggest looks fine on the edges
 
Yeah swing by home depot (find out online which aisle they're in though, that place is not always put together right), they're not terribly tall at all.
That said depending upon the area you want to cover you could do something simple like plastic sheeting under the mat just to hold all the drips, presuming that's the biggest issue not spills, then simply clean it up after.
 
Coral reefer said:
@fishdoctor ises some sort of mat when he’s working. Not sure what it is tho.
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Yes, I use marine vinyl used for boat seats and interior. It is water proof vinyl on one side and a cloth backing that absorbs some water and drys quickly. It can be found locally at Joanne’s and they often have a 50% off one item coupon. Regular price is about $15 a yard


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fishdoctor said:
Yes, I use marine vinyl used for boat seats and interior. It is water proof vinyl on one side and a cloth backing that absorbs some water and drys quickly. It can be found locally at Joanne’s and they often have a 50% off one item coupon. Regular price is about $15 a yard


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Oooh - I will try this also. I got a lighter version of this material from Joann's for my hedgehog's bathroom area but didn't cross my mind for floor. Thanks you guys!
 
Sweet I'm going to have to remember those mats when I get my fake wood floor down, looks very convenient to just throw down when you're working and then pull up when you're done.

Like that marine vinyl too but man hope they have other colors because that pattern is ugly as sin! :D ... although it may remind you not to leave it on the floor because you don't want to look at it :D
 
sfsuphysics said:
Sweet I'm going to have to remember those mats when I get my fake wood floor down, looks very convenient to just throw down when you're working and then pull up when you're done.

Like that marine vinyl too but man hope they have other colors because that pattern is ugly as sin! :D ... although it may remind you not to leave it on the floor because you don't want to look at it :D
Click to expand...

I agree, those are some great ideas. I like the marine one for when I’m doing maintenance since I can put it down and it won’t scratch the floors. I think I may line the inside of the cabinet with the under sink mat. It can go right under the sump.
 
SupraSaltyReefer said:
I use these 24" x 59" Undersink mats. Absorbs a ton of water, fast drying and machine washable.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KJFHDFN/ref=twister_B079XVHJPB?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
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This mat has changed my life twice a week when students do tank care. How on Earth is that thin, rough mat so absorbent? I feel like cutting one to cover counters and cabinets.
Also adding a shout out for your recommendation of these types of clamps in another thread: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW9H8WJ...d_dp_MAV548WTBR10ZSYZ9W2A&_encoding=UTF8&th=1
They hold filter floss pad in one overflow, secure colander with floss over bucket during water changes/filtering between changes in which tiny snails get sucked up, and securely hold hoses. Soooo unpleasant after a long day at work followed by solo maintenance session when I am on the home stretch, then a hose flies up or I turn and water flows onto floor instead of into bucket (short arms) and then I have to stay later to clean up the flood.
I really love all the recommendations and solutions I find searching club members' posts!
 
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