So I’ve always run sand in all of my tanks over the years. With this build I’ve considered the idea of running a bare bottom tank for the first time. Give me pros and cons of both ! Oh and don’t forget to vote!!
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This display tank at the liveaquaria facility is the one reason I considered bare bottom, its absolutely gorgeous!I'm a big fan of deep sand beds because of all the awesome microfauna it provides. I feel like now that mine has become established I can feed as much as I like and my nutrients always stay in check. My DSB has been going for 2 years now and the only cleaning I do for it is passing the suction hose over the surface without touching it to pickup any extra detritus I see during water changes. DSB do limit you on some livestock you can keep because you don't want anything that actively hunts microfauna in the sandbed. You also must used sugar grain sand so it costs a little more to establish as well.
I would add that barebottoms look great with coral encrusting over them. I really considered doing that on this tank but I had a lobster at the time and required a sand bed. Either choice can work but I think my DSB has paid off in the long run as my only other filter is a protein skimmer and refugium. I use carbon for 24 hours after each water change as well.
Wow that is indeed a very nice tank. The one at WWC is what made me think about doing it. Sometimes their encrusting corals start climbing the front glass they grow so well.This display tank at the liveaquaria facility is the one reason I considered bare bottom, its absolutely gorgeous!
Take a look Nature's Ocean sand products. IMO they have a better variety and their sand grains come in more consistent sizes. They also have sand grain smaller than 1mm which is what I used for 3/4 of the sand with oolite and substrate mixed in. I have my pumps all on 100% without any sandstorm issues (RW-8 and RW-4 on 100% and return pump around 500gph). I've been adding Ocean Direct live oolite, you inevitably suck up some sand over the years, and it is also a very good 1-2mm sand grain consistency.Wow! Great comments so far! I’ve seen some great ideas here! It’s a tough decision! If it helps at all , this will not be an Sps dominant system. It may have a few less demanding SPS. They really are both great options!
If I go with sand I’ve considered Tropic Eden Grand Select along with Tropic Eden Reef flakes.
If not then it’s all bare bottom.
Very well written. I run both of my tanks bare bottom since I do not have any sand burrowing wrasses. It makes the tanks easier to manage IMO. With very good flow detritus doesn't have much of a place to settle.There really is no right answer to this question, which is why it's always so hotly contested.
Sand positives:
- appearance (subjective)
- greater microfauna biodiversity (subjective)
- some fish & inverts require sand (objective)
- more light reflection, as long as the sand is white (objective)
- greater LR stability (objective)
Bare bottom positives:
- appearance (subjective)
- lower nutrient (objective)
- doesn't blow around (objective)
There's no doubt that bare bottom tanks are just easier to manage. No worrying about sand storms, so you can crank the flow to 11. No concern about nutrient build up or additional cleaning. You can even largely get around light reflection and add some protection to the bottom panel with white starboard or acrylic sheet.
For myself, I'll have a hard time going bare bottom. I just like the visuals of a sand bottom and find watching critters in the sand immensely entertaining. I also have some fish in mind for my next tanks that will pretty much necessitate sand.
The allure of the bb is strong though, for sure...