No sand???

[fab1971]

Just started a new tank and went ahead and ordered lr and sand but now I'm thinking about not adding the sand and keeping it bare bottom (kind of like the look). Just wanted to hear your opinions on having a bare bottom tank. The benefits and the negative would be appreciated. Will it adversely affect the biological make up of the tank. Thanks all!

26 gallon bowfront
25-30 lbs of lr
aquamax skimmer
fluval 305 for chemical filtration
t5 4bulbs 24 watt each

 

[gar732]

I would think you would be fine since its a new setup and you wouldn't be removing any beneficial bacteria. It should help to keep your tank cleaner since any build up of debris will be easier to remove.

 

[tangboy]

I previously had a sand bottom but it was always a challenge to keep it clean, not get whipped up in a sand storm etc.

This time I rebuilt it I am keeping it as a BB and so far I like it!

Positives for me:

1. Quick and Easy WC's and I know where the detrius is!
2. If a coral drops off and floats around, I can find it quickly!
3. I will create a zoa mat that will cover the WORL... er bottom!

Negatives:
1. Doesn't look like the ocean :P but I hate sand on my bottom anyway (too itchy when stuck in the bathing suits)

 

[dougers31]

If you like the no sand look then go for it. It will help with flow and detritus collection. I myself like the look of a little sand.

 

[Mariner]

Lots of debate over this in the last ten years or so. Sand tends to trap nutrients over time, but it also typically contains lots of micro critters to help process waste and excess nutrients. Sand can add to the biodiversity of a tank, and it is needed if you are planning to keep certain species of fish (e.g. certain wrasses and gobies). I've seen very successful tanks that were bare bottom, and I've seen very successful tanks that had deep sand beds, and MANY great tanks with shallow or not-so-deep sandbeds. I say, go with what you like.
Mariner

 

[Wy Renegade]

Agree with what was said above, the only other consideration I would throw out there, is the livestock. Some fish, as well as other organisms require sand. If you want to keep those critters, you gotta have a sandbed, if you're not interested in them, then you are probably going to be fine going bare-bottom.

 

[fab1971]

I think I'll go bare bottom for now. Hopefully there aren't any neighbors peeping :) I can always add a little sand later I guess. I only plan on adding one or two fish. It's going to be sps heavy so I want to keep it clean. Thanks for the responses!

 

[Hyprviperx]

if you go bare bottom, one of my buddies recommended using star board on the bottom. that way, any falling live rock will not crack the glass. also if you put encrusting frags on the bottom and they encrust the board you can always frag the board up, or replace it vs it growing on the glass as i have heard some (corals) will do that.