Removing Gravel = Less Maintenance?

[Sculpin]

I’ve had a tank running for about a year now and I’ve noticed that one of my biggest cleaning problems is the algae buildup on the glass below the gravel line. I’ve had some success dragging a scraper through the gravel to stir up the gravel and release the gas pockets that are forming, but I’ve had a real problem keeping the glass (acrylic to be specific) near the gravel line clean. On a couple occasions I’ve gotten too close to the gravel with my magnetic scraper and gotten a little piece stuck in the scraper, only realizing after I’ve scratched a nice big Z across the glass.

My question is if it would be a smart idea to remove the gravel from my tank? Would it make tank cleaning less work, and are there any downsides to not having gravel in a tank? If it turns out I need gravel, would it help to have less (and how much is enough)?

Also, I’ve got a nice fat diamond goby that does great eating frozen and flake food, so I’m not worried about him starving, but I didn’t know if he needed to have something to sift in order to stay happy/healthy.

Thanks for any thoughts or advice on the subject.

-Sculpin

 

[Scooterman]

Having a sand bed or none both have pros & cons & require different methods of up-keep. In smaller tanks I usually recommend a SB because it helps keep the tank from sudden changes. I've had both & really like a BB tank as you can keep it very clean but IMO it needs more frequent Water changes & steady vacuuming so it is very doable If that is what your looking for.

Welcome to RF BTW!

 

[lizardarm]

and gotten a little piece stuck in the scraper, only realizing after I’ve scratched a nice big Z across the glass.

Been there, done that, no worse way to break in a brand new acrylic aquarium.
I agree with what Scooterman said above; although I'm more of a sand bed guy myself. Welcome!
-Chris

 

[Sculpin]

it needs more frequent Water changes & steady vacuuming

I would have guessed the opposite, that the sand would trap more junk and require more water changes and vacuuming. I was hoping with a decent amount of water flow in an sand free tank, it would push a lot of the junk into the filtration system. Can someone elaborate on why no sand might require more water changes? The answer might help me decide if I need a couple inches of sand or just a couple centimeters.

Thanks, Sculpin.

 

[Scooterman]

Changes happen much quicker without the sand base, the principle idea of a BB tank is removing Detritus before it ever becomes a problem, something WC's Do & Do well. Not that a skimmer won't help & is even more required in a BB IMO but It won't get it all out quick enough!

 

[preons]

"On a couple occasions I’ve gotten too close to the gravel with my magnetic scraper and gotten a little piece stuck in the scraper, only realizing after I’ve scratched a nice big Z across the glass. "


Ive got the big Z on my tank also. Only I picked up something with 3 points about a half inch long so it looks extra cool.

But to possibly help you... I have the sugar sand bottom and ive placed more argonite (gravelish) stuff in the high flow areas. I also have about one quarter of my tank bare bottom. I used small live rock to hold back the areas of sugar sand and gravel. I picked this bare spot because it is where my tank naturally leaves the most detritus. I vaccume it up weekly during water changes. It seems to work really good for me.

 

[jeffnewt]

I have a 60 barebottom, and at first, I really thought It was going to be a perfect match fro what I was trying to do. But even with a small bioload, and only 2-3 fish, the detritus accumulates rapidly. I have had it running for about a year now, and i am having hair algea problems. I was getting away with fewer water changes for some time, but then it all seemed to catch up with me. Even with high flow, the snail poop for example, sinks like a rock. And then it justs sits there, on the bottom and rots.

After a huge cleaning, the next day there is allready detritus on the bottom to the point it needs to siphoned out. Scratching the sides really does suck, but not having a home for pods on the bottom I think is really a problem.

 

[Reeferdude]

For the area at the gravel line use a toothbrush affixed to a wooden dowel or acrylic dowel. You can shape/form the toothbrush handle with heat for the correct angle. It's smaller, easier to control and will reduce the likelihood of scratches. Then finish with the magnet/cleaner of choice in the larger areas...

 

[Sculpin]

Thanks for all the advice!

 

[burning2nd]

i switched from sand to Bare bottem.... I must say i liked it....

 

[Jan]

i switched from sand to Bare bottem.... I must say i liked it....

which did you like? sand or BB?

My suggestion is cerith snails as they eat at and below the sand-line

 

[burning2nd]

i have sand on my 30 and BB on my 10...

for smaller tanks with more nooks and crany's id said BB is the best....
you can eazy take a power head blow around the bottem of the rocks and all the detritus build up behind the rock work will work its way out quickly...
then you can start your water change and wala! you have nasty looking water in the bucket...

altho BB will not save your tank when your rock work falls down... so

they both have pros and cons...
Sand looks more natural, and give room for more LIfe... IMO

both will require maintenance

 

[seahawkone]

Small queen conchs and sand sifting stars keep my 120ga strait.

 

[eliterecon14]

Try Nassarius Snails.