BB or Sand

[Syntax1235]

I'm looking to go SPS dom for my new 180g tank. I'm seriously considering BB. I would paint the bottom glass, outside of course.

Pros and cons of BB?

 

[KJ]

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/deep-sand-bed-or-bare-bottom.225519/

 

[childress5tyler]

I'm doing the exact same, except for my 28 gallon Deep Blue rimless. I'm doing all SPS and am going BB, going to paint the bottom glass and back wall black to make colors blast. The way I see it, here are the pros:

-Allows you to maximize flow without worrying about sand being blown away
-Remove the possibility of a nutrient sink long term
-Allows you to maximize room (at least for me, I'm planning to grow several acros from the bottom glass)

 

[alten78]

I went BB for the first time ever about 6 months ago and its a love hate relationship. I wasn't sure if I was going to like the "unnatural look" that many people complain about (me being one of them.) Having had sand for 13ish years, I actually love the look of it. To me its a clean look along with my semi minimalist rockwork. I painted the outside back glass black and the outside bottom white, its about 1/2 covered in coraline anyways.

My rocks are still shedding sand and siphoning at least once a week because i can't stand looking at it is my only hate for it. I've got encrusting montis on the bottom, still frags but im looking forward to seeing how they do and look.