Having kept reefs for more years than I can remember, I have tried most ways. Never was a fan of sand, and by that I mean the finer type shallow or deep ones we see. My bare bottomed tanks have never had nuisance algae growth besides some problems with that red turf on some rocks. Which I picked up from another aquarist I may add.
Fine sand beds for my have always ended up with some cyno on them. Yes, had the correct critters etc.
All that being said, I have several friends with well established tanks and shallow sand beds, lots of critters in them and no problems what so ever. Plus one thing I really miss is the life and diversity of the sand, esp. some of the wrasse family that requires sand.
Tom, most seem to kind of stabilize {sand spreading} after awhile to suit the flow of the pumps and kind of stay that way. I always though it looked kind of neat with the dunes,etc. And there is spots where barely any covers the bottom but thats kind of natural to. At least, IMO.
I,m currently setting up a standard 50g long, with a plenum. It will use regular crushed coral in the first couple inches and 2mm aragonite for the rest. Now talk about old school. :lol:
It was successful for me about 15 yrs. ago, so wanting to give it another go just to see.
