Bare Bottom Holey Rock Tank Set Up

Lynnds6 · Jan 6, 2020

We are getting ready to start our Waterbox 220 gallon and wanted some input. I've seen our LFS use Texas Holey Rock and was curious how many other reefers have tried this and how successful it was?

I'm thinking about using mainly holey rock for our main display with some Tonga branches. In the sump I think I will keep your typical live rock.

My main question I guess is will there be enough area for a thriving "clean" tank if I don't incorporate a sand bed with it? I've had such trouble keeping my sand clean in my current tank I wanted to try without; but am also a little afraid as I'm also changing my rock and want to make sure there's still enough space for healthy critters for clean up crew/ect. Thank you for your help!

Lastly does anyone use the Ozone Generator and have input? We have already bought a UV sterilizer as well.

KrisReef · Jan 6, 2020

Lynnds6 said:
We are getting ready to start our Waterbox 220 gallon and wanted some input. I've seen our LFS use Texas Holey Rock and was curious how many other reefers have tried this and how successful it was?

I'm thinking about using mainly holey rock for our main display with some Tonga branches. In the sump I think I will keep your typical live rock.

My main question I guess is will there be enough area for a thriving "clean" tank if I don't incorporate a sand bed with it? I've had such trouble keeping my sand clean in my current tank I wanted to try without; but am also a little afraid as I'm also changing my rock and want to make sure there's still enough space for healthy critters for clean up crew/ect. Thank you for your help!

Lastly does anyone use the Ozone Generator and have input? We have already bought a UV sterilizer as well.

No sandbed needs no cleaners. My sandless tank has turbo snails and hermit crab that get along ok w/o sand.

I have an ozonizer and have only used it to clean the air in a couple of houses with issues but never on my tank.

UV should be good for some pests and are easy to set up and maintain. I don’t have one currently.

Lynnds6 · Jan 6, 2020

KrisReef said:
No sandbed needs no cleaners. My sandless tank has turbo snails and hermit crab that get along ok w/o sand.

I have an ozonizer and have only used it to clean the air in a couple of houses with issues but never on my tank.

UV should be good for some pests and are easy to set up and maintain. I don’t have one currently.

Thank you for your help! Do you by chance use Texas Holey Rock?