My intent is NOT to make this a debate about Sand vs Bare-bottom. Instead, I'm inviting anyone who is having success with sand to share their thoughts (especially, in regards to SPS). (Let's ignore aesthetics for now). In particular, I'd like to gather opinions regarding your thoughts as to why you prefer sand beds and :
1) How long have you been running your tank with sand? And, how long do you think a sand-bed tank can last before running into problems, if any? (if you think there is a "limit" to their "lifespan" when do you think that might occur?)
2) How deep is your sand and what brand(s) and/or mixtures do you use? Does anyone use a plenum? How deep do you think a bed can be (without a plenum) and not have to worry about anoxic conditions with sulfites being released if stirred up?
3) How do you believe that sand affects Nitrates and Phosphates over time? Can you get UL levels and conversely, is it difficult to get anything but UL levels?
4) What, if any, is your maintenance schedule?
5) Do you have a photo of your tank (esp. SPS tanks) with a sand bed? (Who are some of the "big names" with successful SPS tanks with sand?)
My experience:
In '94, I set up a 500 gal tank with a plenum with 4" dolomite (the only substrate available back then). All my tanks between the mid 60's to this tank always had dolomite substrate (without a plenum). Several years later I removed the sand and revamped the rockwork when I got into SPS. Much of the dolomite turned into a brick, besides the fact that it was incredibly filthy. (I could only siphon about 1/4 of the substrate because of the rockwork). But in retrospect, I don't know if either of these two observations should be considered undesirable or harmful, especially the "filth" (which probably contained all kinds of beneficial bacteria and other organisms). My equipment and knowledge back then was not what it is today, so it is hard to look back and fairly critique that old sand bed.
Since then, I have set up at least 10 systems, all bare-bottom. I scaled down to just a 60 gal cube at the present time, anticipating the sale of my house with plans of a huge SPS system (where I'm debating sand) when I move. As I look at the cube, I feel like it is too "sterile". Since I am using this temporary tank for experiments (LED's for the first time and GHL Controller, for example), I'm considering adding sand.
Thank you for your thoughts....
1) How long have you been running your tank with sand? And, how long do you think a sand-bed tank can last before running into problems, if any? (if you think there is a "limit" to their "lifespan" when do you think that might occur?)
2) How deep is your sand and what brand(s) and/or mixtures do you use? Does anyone use a plenum? How deep do you think a bed can be (without a plenum) and not have to worry about anoxic conditions with sulfites being released if stirred up?
3) How do you believe that sand affects Nitrates and Phosphates over time? Can you get UL levels and conversely, is it difficult to get anything but UL levels?
4) What, if any, is your maintenance schedule?
5) Do you have a photo of your tank (esp. SPS tanks) with a sand bed? (Who are some of the "big names" with successful SPS tanks with sand?)
My experience:
In '94, I set up a 500 gal tank with a plenum with 4" dolomite (the only substrate available back then). All my tanks between the mid 60's to this tank always had dolomite substrate (without a plenum). Several years later I removed the sand and revamped the rockwork when I got into SPS. Much of the dolomite turned into a brick, besides the fact that it was incredibly filthy. (I could only siphon about 1/4 of the substrate because of the rockwork). But in retrospect, I don't know if either of these two observations should be considered undesirable or harmful, especially the "filth" (which probably contained all kinds of beneficial bacteria and other organisms). My equipment and knowledge back then was not what it is today, so it is hard to look back and fairly critique that old sand bed.
Since then, I have set up at least 10 systems, all bare-bottom. I scaled down to just a 60 gal cube at the present time, anticipating the sale of my house with plans of a huge SPS system (where I'm debating sand) when I move. As I look at the cube, I feel like it is too "sterile". Since I am using this temporary tank for experiments (LED's for the first time and GHL Controller, for example), I'm considering adding sand.
Thank you for your thoughts....