Bare Vs Substrate

[Shooter000]

Just wondering why we do what we do... Why do some do bare bottom tanks and some do deep or shallow sand bed tanks?, wondering what people's thoughts are on the idea, I've been trapped between not having one and having one for my big tank, what does everyone think?, I like the look of both, sand does serve its natural purpose in the tank, but no sand looks so clean and maybe more maintanance free, what are your thoughts on this??

 

[heath]

personally I like the sand bed/substrate. but it is for sure less work going bare bottom..

 

[Shooter000]

When I upgrade I do want inverts some of which need sand, also wrasses need sand,

 

[reef keeper]

When I do my upgrade I'm going to sand I think. But a coarse sand. Only inch or inch and a half deep

 

[Shooter000]

Also don't know much about doing a deep sand bed, not sure of what ratio or what size,layers, crush coral, sand?

 

[barebottomcouple]

I love sand for inverts aesthetics my display has 2 1/2 inches fine sand for looks and my refugium has 7 inches fins coarse sand crushed coral mix about (200 lbs) for nitrification/denitrafication

 

[reeferkeeper420]

Bare bottom tanks are only easier to.maintain if you have good water quality. Any nutrients and you have algae growing all over the bottom, so it looks like crap. I may go back to substrate.

 

[yveterinarian]

For my reef tank I prefer a sand bed because I like to have clean up crew that burrow in the sand and someday I would like to get some coco worms etc. For my seahorse tanks I prefer barebottom because their poops are so large that I prefer to be able to vacuum them up easily. Also, I can easily vacuum up any uneaten food. Barebottom is easy to maintain but you must maintain it every day or it doesn't look very nice whereas sand maintains itself for the most part if you have the right clean up crew etc.

 

[Kman]

I think a bare bottom is not natural looking and to me it takes away from the tank. The amount of micro fauna that comes out of the bed after dark is a important part of the food Web. A thin layer a few inches deep when maintained property is very productive at supplying food for your corals and professing nutrients and is an important part of the nitrogen cycle.

 

[EricTMah]

I prefer sand bed in my dt. It looks much more natural imo.
Bare bottom isn't as easy as you think it is to maintain. You need to constantly syphon off the bottom glass or debris will settle and looks bad imo.
Bare bottoms have their place as well. Like in a minimalist tank design.

 

[heath]

When I upgrade I do want inverts some of which need sand, also wrasses need sand,

there you go, you have made your own decision..

Also don't know much about doing a deep sand bed, not sure of what ratio or what size,layers, crush coral, sand?

that is a person thing, I don't think there is any "rule of thumb", go with what pleases you..

 

[barebottomcouple]

Also don't know much about doing a deep sand bed, not sure of what ratio or what size,layers, crush coral, sand?

as far as dsb the finer the sand the sallower the bed can be if you is you use a finer sand (sugar size) you can go 6 if you use a coarse grade of crushed coral you will need upwards of 8 inches (personally I use a mix and I go 7 inches) and I never ever disturb anything more than the top 1/2 inch.. I let micro fauna do the bed you also need to re-junivate the sandbed if you use it to stabilize the alk. cal. minerals

 

[scubasteve]

i put 6-7 inches of carib sea seafloor special down in all my tanks and dont ever touch it.... my 10 nassarius and couple mini conch plus a gold head goby keep it clean for me and it stays looking like new

 

[Jewel]

You would think BB would be easier but you've got to maintain that clean glass look and it's not easy, Yes the sand gets a little unsightly at times but if you want Inverts and a natural look then sand is it plus it adds Benificial nutrients to the tank. I've had both and I like the Sand.

 

[barebottomcouple]

I have 2 sand stirring starfish and they keep my sand spotless and white

 

[EricTMah]

I use two strawberry and one fighting conche and they keep my dt sand bed clean

 

[Shooter000]

I would love to get a sand star

 

[Shooter000]

I've got a couple snails that bury then selves in the sand, they boogie around under there , I forget the name of them though

 

[Jewel]

If you ever see White Legged Snails, Pick them up. Those guys just motor along cleaning the Sand Bed. Best snails ever but hard to find.

 

[Shooter000]

These guys motor around, they have white feet with a marbled white and green body, they make atleast 10 rounds through the tank a day