Sand or Bare bottom

[Lionhead]

I noticed a lot of folks are going bare bottom these days. What are the pros and cons when you go bare bottom? Im talking about tanks not us, humans..

 

[Myteemouse]

well I have a small bare bottom and it is SOOOO EASY to clean when doing water changes!
The poo collects in a few spots and suck it right up and your good!
But it's hard to get zoos on small rocks to stay put and some clams need sand as do some fish!
The sand look so much better and more naturall!
Both work
My 125 is gonna have sand !!! looks better to me!

 

[kaskiles]

The sand is also a home to bacteria, plankton, pods, etc.; so if you go bare bottom, you may need to plan on another way to get this porous surface area. More live rock, live rock/rubble in sump, etc.

 

[NaH2O]

My tank used to be bare bottomed. You need to make sure you remove the detritus that collects regularly, or keep it in suspension with water flow. The detritus will be utilitzed by life in the tank, then it is more easily removed via filtration methods when suspended in the water column. Currently I have a sandbed. I needed a change, and had my heart set on a few critters which required sand to live comfortably.

Here's an oldie by goodie: Let's Talk About ~Filtration Concepts~

 

[MikeS]

I've had both...

A BB setup requires very diligent maintenance, lots and lots of water flow, and aggressive filtration and water change routine.

Sand offers an additional home for bacteria and microfauna, and usually gives you a litte wiggle room when it comes to maintenance. IMO it looks better too, and provides a more stable base for your live rock.

I had a BB setup for over 3 years, after having a DSB for 5 years. I moved the contents of my reef to a larger tank last fall, and did a SSB.

MikeS

 

[alki]

Personally, I think BB looks dumb.

If your going to all the trouble to create a cool ecosystem, why stop when it comes to a floor?

These are my 2 cents, and Ill spend them wherever I want!

 

[roscoe]

I love my bare bottom!!!!! I also love the look of sand!! I just like the ease of maintenace much much more on a BB tank!!!

 

[Lionhead]

Personally I like my reef with sand as well. Also love those snails that come out during feeding time and at night. The only time I did bare bottom was when I was conditioning my live rocks in my other tanks.