Bare Bottom, Deep Sand Bed, and Shallow Sand Bed

[FB]

I was hoping as a group we could put a post together explaining the three types of bottoms.

I would like to compile a list listing the pros and cons of each. Maintenance tasks required and any other important information required to keep each successful.

I will edit this post with each item for each type so it is easy to keep track off.

Please do not go on a rant explaining why you think one is better than the other I would just like to stick with the facts that way each person can take everything under consideration deciding which is best for their setup.

Bare Bottom

Pros:
High Flow
Removes more waste
Easier maintenance

Cons:
?

Maintenance:
Siphon detritus

Deep Sand Bed

Pros:
Natrally reduces nitrates
Bio-diversity

Cons:
Can collect detritus

Maintenance:
?

Shallow Sand Bed

Pros:
Naturally reduces nitrates

Cons:
?

Maintenance:
?

 

[FB]

I just noticed the hot topic of the month.

Oh well feel free to reply.

I have added what was posted in the hot topic of the month.

 

[Anonymous]

Weather a BB or DSB or SB are visually appealing or visually unappealing is not a fact, but what some people think.

Being nutrient poor is not necessarily a con.

:mrgreen:

 

[Anonymous]

I like the way my bare botttom tank looks. Especally now that coraline and other stuff is starting to grow on it. I had a DSB tank and after a while they start looking nasty at the glass. I agree the being nutriant poor is not a con. I am not having any algae problems. yet. With enough of the right kind of flow there is not much to syphon.

 

[FB]

I have removed both appeal and nutrient

 

[Anonymous]

Interesting. I thought I liked BB but not too sure that is the answer either. My problems have to be my rock. I am going to tear it all down soon. I am debating on which way to go when I do.

 

[ChrisRD]

A few things that come to mind...

BB would not be appropriate if you're keeping sand dwelling fish, shrimp, etc. - possible con for BB.

IME sandbeds with overly fine particles can limit flow options - possible con for SB or DSB.

In the event of a fallen powerhead (ie. falls from its bracket or suction cups) or a fish that takes to digging, sand can end-up all over the tank, corals, etc. - possible con for SB or DSB.

As for sandbed maintenance - personally, I think it's a good idea to syphon detritus in any style tank, not just BB.

 

[Anonymous]

To follow up being nutrient poor isn't necessarily a pro

Also I would remove "removes more wastes" from the BB one simply because the act of having a barebottom does not remove wastes at all.

Pro for DSB or SSB, brown sea cucumbers.. eatting dirty sand, pooping out clean, what could be cooler than that!

 

[ChrisRD]

Pro for DSB or SSB, brown sea cucumbers.. eatting dirty sand, pooping out clean, what could be cooler than that!

...not having the dirt at all! :wink:

 

[Anonymous]

A clean sand bed ought to reflect more light back up than a bb I would think

 

[Anonymous]

Depends on whats on the bottom of the BB. White? Faux sand bed? Black?

 

[trido]

SSB

Pros:
Naturally reduces nitrates

Cons:
If not maintained can become a nitrate factory
Requires routine vacuuming.


Maintenance:
Constant stirring and vaccuming to keep from solidifying and getting too dirty. I have a remote DSB in my fuge that is virtually maintance free.



I am slowly removing my SSB with WC's. BB for me from now on.