Bare Bottom VS Sandbed

TangoTang · Dec 9, 2015

Hello everyone, I'm introducing this thread because I am interested in knowing the pros and cons of a bare bottom tank and a tank with sand. I have been in the hobby for 5 years now and I've always stuck with about 2" sand bed, but now that I'm running my biggest system yet a 120, I'm running it bare bottom. I can't argue, I like the look of it but I find myself missing the look of the sand and sometimes wanting to go back. I know it's possible (with dry sand) but before anything I just wanna hear everyone's thoughts on the topic and hopefully help me decide!
Everyone is welcome to share their ideas and opinions, thanks
Yoel

Elegance Coral · Dec 9, 2015

You can use live sand if you like. You don't have to use dry sand. Nothing bad is going to happen.

The real difference between BB and sand, is that BB is easier to keep clean. In time, the nutrient level of a sand tank is going to rise higher than that of a BB tank. Both are doable. You just need to determine how clean you want to keep your tank, and how much effort you're willing to exert to keep it that way.

constantflow · Dec 9, 2015

If you throw a bunch of dry white sand into the tank it will probably start to quickly grow algae if it is being blasted with light. Something to consider may be to leave the light off or on a reduced cycle for some time after.

saltyfilmfolks · Dec 9, 2015

I'm a DSB guy. I don't have to clean my sand ever. It only gets gross if I over feed. The pods n worms take care of the rest.
I have one medusa that pops it's whole head out of the sand arms and all and cleans a 3 in circle around it.
If you use dry sand cure it or cycle it first. It's easy. Bucket tank water powerhead or pump.
Benefits of a sand bed is nutrient reduction. And PH buffering. Dry sand will change your ph btw until it cures.
It's just as easy to add live sand directly to the tank. It's live and cycling.
We're I to go bare bottom I would go DSB in the sump or have a huge amount of live rock. Berlin method.
Shallow sand was always a bummer for me. I hate siphoning and needing to vaccume.
My two cents.

RMS18 · Dec 9, 2015

I like a sandbed it looks more authentic than bare bottom. Helps with breaking down food and nutrients. Allows you to have certain fish and other cuc that help with nutrients as well.