Sand Bed -VS- Bare Bottom

[ocholoco]

Wich one is better??? and Why????

 

[inkblue]

you can rEad ---> http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/search.php?searchid=1017298

 

[Euroreefer]

Bare bottom, no litter box. Also able to run more flow without a sand storm.

 

[NYPDFrogman]

I've had both every tank I had with DSB crashed down the road
I prefer the bare bottom easy to Keep clean
I have a lot of flow so much of the detritus stay suspended and removed by filter socks

 

[CHEMCHEF]

I have a DSB... NEVER AGAIN. Its a sandstorm. and ugly as hell to look at. It starts to look like sand art after a while.
What are all these layers. Blue, Green, Brown
I am slowly removing it with every water change, and my nitrates keep going up

 

[MatthewScars]

i have 1" of sand, never had an issue with det getting stuck anywhere. Personally, if i had to do it again, Id go .5" of sand just for a natural look.

 

[ocholoco]

Hey

Chemchef why are your nitrates going up.

 

[Zoous]

I'm bare bottom for my main tank. Easier to siphon out the detritus. Some reefers here I believe use a starboard for the bottom which can be an alternative.

 

[Arati]

To the OP I like my dsb and have 0 nitrates with it. we will see in a few more years though.

Chemcef,
LoL
The reason you see the different colors on the glass is because light gets to it there and things grow. All I do is scrub it a few times a year along the glass. with my fingers.
If you want to remove the dsb , take it all out at once imo or you gonna just prolong the pain. Nitrates will shoot up from disturbing the sandbed to much.

Good luck,
Chris

 

[jainy]

I prefer a medium sand bed (2inches) for the natural look as opposed to a bare bottom tank. The white sand also reflect light and creates a brighter look. I do have to stir it around during my water changes and filter out the detritus.

I found this article on the topic interesting.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/7/aafeature

 

[CHEMCHEF]

Every time I take Some Sand Out, I seem To Release All The Crud Trapped Down In The DSB

Chemchef why are your nitrates going up.

 

[Euroreefer]

To think, all that "Crud" is just sitting in your display waiting for you to let it out. I guess the sand acts like a sponge soaking up the nasties, but what happens when the sponge is full?

 

[CHEMCHEF]

Thats What I'm Worried About, And Why I Am Removing Mine.
I am thinking about going with live rock rubble. Very small pieces, like the size of marbles.

To think, all that "Crud" is just sitting in your display waiting for you to let it out. I guess the sand acts like a sponge soaking up the nasties, but what happens when the sponge is full?

 

[marki24]

I believe that when you have a sand bed you are better off. First of all it makes your fish tank look natural. YOu just dont see bare bottom oceans. Unless there is one that i dont knwo about. Second of all some fish will hide in sand as well as stars. Also, hermit crabs make a lot of noise when you are using a bare bottom tank. Avoid sand storms is simple. Get the right pump for your tank and dont over do it. All of you getting sand storms are just over doing it with the water flow. I have a 2 in sand bed and my nitrates are where they need to be. I believe those that have high nitrates is not from the sand bed, might want to do more research and find out why your nitrates are so high. Happy Reef Keeping.

 

[seascape]

i had a 3" sand bed in my 180g i couldnt keep my parameters at all what they were suppose to be,so when i moved,I will say this the sand didnt move with me it went right into the back yard.Very expensive sand bed the new owners have now but i will say this my parameters are right were they are suppose to be.No sand BB.RJ

 

[greggnyce]

I also went BB and find it easier to keep parameters in check, that beign said I do miss the natural look of the sand. I think I found a solution for me new tank I will be setting up. I am thinking of getting starboard and cvoering it with a reef safe adhesive than place sand on it. This way I can have the look of sand but it will not move.

 

[jackson6745]

Wich one is better??? and Why????

IMO, IME a BB tank or a tank with a shallow sand bed is just about the same thing (function wise). I don't like DSB's because IME it adds to increased phosphates.
No matter what method you choose the same principals apply. Keep you water clean by exporting the wastes. Skimming, water changes, media, natural filtration methods if you wish.
I like a very shallow sandbed because it is clean looking and provides a nice contrast for corals that you keep on the bottom.....and IMO increased surface area for bacteria to grow can't hurt.

 

[Domboski]

A deep sand bed may be necessary for certain fish and inverts so keep that in mind :wink1:

 

[jackson6745]

A deep sand bed may be necessary for certain fish and inverts so keep that in mind :wink1:

True, I love watching a jawfish pop out of DSB.....just not in my tank though

 

[prattreef]

IMO, IME a BB tank or a tank with a shallow sand bed is just about the same thing (function wise). I don't like DSB's because IME it adds to increased phosphates.
No matter what method you choose the same principals apply. Keep you water clean by exporting the wastes. Skimming, water changes, media, natural filtration methods if you wish.
I like a very shallow sandbed because it is clean looking and provides a nice contrast for corals that you keep on the bottom.....and IMO increased surface area for bacteria to grow can't hurt.

Well said. The main thing is that no matter which you choose, you need to understand what you are trying to accomplish by that choice and what the limitations or special requirements of your choice are.

The only reason to run a truly deep sand bed ( 3"+ IMO) is for denitrification and that needs to be setup and maintained properly. A shallow sandbed ( my preference) is primarily for aesthetics, and habitat diversity and shouldn't be treated like a DSB i.e. it should be stirred regularly to prevent clmping and dislodge detritus.

BB systems present there own needs and you need to understand what you are doing and why. I've seen very few BB systems that look aesthetically pleasing to ME, despite the obvious health of the animals, but that is a personal thing, not a better or worse thing.