bare bottom vs sand bed, pros/cons, your preference?

[cromburger]

I have been doing a hybrid for the last 4years. Just enough sand to hide the base of the rockwork and no sand along the frontof the tank. Sand helps with stability and no sand makes the tank look clean. My flow helps keep the sand where it belongs.

 

[Ufuk's reef]

I've had both sandy and sandless aquariums. As long as you maintain the biological cycle, there's no problem. I'm happy with both.

 

[cromburger]

I've had both sandy and sandless aquariums. As long as you maintain the biological cycle, there's no problem. I'm happy with both.

I will say it is easier to start with sand and vacuum it all out to go bare bottom then the other way around. Speaking from experience

 

[Ufuk's reef]

I will say it is easier to start with sand and vacuum it all out to go bare bottom then the other way around. Speaking from experience

That's right, I agree. Just two different sizes of aquariums from different times. My aquarium without sand lasted 4 years. My aquarium with sand has been running smoothly for 1-2 years.

 

[NeMoo]

Hello. I'm finishing up gathering my equipment, and it's almost time to set up the tank. I'm still undecided between going with a sand bed or a bare bottom setup. I'd love to see photos of both from your tanks to help me decide. If you've tried either option, I'd also appreciate hearing what you like or dislike about it.

I actually have a bare bottom tank up and running but its my seahorse rearing tank just to help me keep the water pristine but i find it ugly and thats my thoughts about it i Will attach a Photo of my biggest mixed reef tank and my seahorse cube (not rearing tank)

Yellow filter:

No filter:

That Goni!!!!

 

[Freenow54]

That's right, I agree. Just two different sizes of aquariums from different times. My aquarium without sand lasted 4 years. My aquarium with sand has been running smoothly for 1-2 years.

The reason would be for me no matter how much you rinse the sand you get residue . Which then would irritate fish , and get on the sensitive places on Coral

 

[Channas]

That Goni!!!!

Its been with me for a while