Sand or No Sand???

[ReelRednekReefer]

The question sounds simple but it has been the hardest decision in my last build and this one as well.....Sand or Bare bottom??? I know this has been debated to death but I need some help. I like high flow to keep detritus suspended but we really would like a sand sifting starfish and maybe some other sand dwellers like a pistol shrimp/goby pair. Just seems like every critter we look at would need or be better with sand. Opinions?? Below is a link to my build

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/member-tanks/191858-reelrednekreefers-90g-build.html

 

[ca1ore]

I run my 265 with a sand bed of varying depths across the aquascape. Personally I just don't like the aesthetic of BB and I have sand burrowing fish like wrasses and a diamond goby. If you're OCD about detritus removal, then BB is clearly easier. Lots of successful tanks done both ways.

 

[Eckolancer]

Bare is a lot easier to keep clean.

 

[jeffp1]

I have had a 4 inch sand bed since 1999 with no issues whatsoever. Looks as good today as when it was put in tank. I wouldn't have it any other way. JMO