Considering bare bottom-Need advice

[MichaelReefer]

So, I am starting to get more into SPS and have been considering removing the sand from my tank... there are two problems though. My Goby and my Melanurus Wrasse. My concern are the ill-effects removing the sand could cause them. Obviously the Goby is a sand sifter and my Melanurus Wrasse sleeps in it. My Goby eats mysis when I feed her so I dont imagine removing the sand would necessarily effect her in any detrimental way? But what about the Melanurus Wrasse? Id appreciate any advice.

Thanks!

 

[Suohhen]

I would not recommend keeping a sand sifting goby without sand. I don't know why many sources on the internet list these fish as easy. Look what is written in the book Marine Fishes.

The Melanurus is fine with a litte cup of sand placed under the rocks.
You can certainly keep sps with sand, what issues are you having?

 

[MichaelReefer]

I wouldn't say I am so much having issues as much as wanting to turn the flow up a bit. I feel a bit "restricted" due to having to position my powerheads a certain way to avoid a sand storm. I currently am running two Nero 5s and making it work, but I am considering getting two more, but what is holding me back is the sand. I dont think I can add much more flow without causing problems

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

Do the sand storm. Itll subside. Maybe put ur coral on a frag rack or something though 1st. Lol
D

 

[Suohhen]

I wouldn't say I am so much having issues as much as wanting to turn the flow up a bit. I feel a bit "restricted" due to having to position my powerheads a certain way to avoid a sand storm. I currently am running two Nero 5s and making it work, but I am considering getting two more, but what is holding me back is the sand. I dont think I can add much more flow without causing problems

What monkeyC said, also I used to be all in on flow but I am firmly convinced at this point that it is mostly hype. Given Dana Riddle tested it and showed improved sps growth with higher flow, but that was at 3in of movement a second which you simple cannot achieve without pointing the powerhead at the sps. Also BRS tested it and showed no difference in growth and while I trust Dana Riddle the scientist a little more than BRS I don't think their results are at conflict as BRS focused on the typical flow rates achieved in an aquarium.
The issue with these test is that they don't account for food and detritus accumulating at the bottom of the tank. However I am happy with this reality as I just take a turkey baster every few days an blow the sand a bit to feed my corals.

 

[KrisReef]

Is your sand too fine? Or maybe the fines need to be rinsed out?

it would be cruel to remove the fishes hiding places, finding a balance should be your goal perhaps?

 

[MichaelReefer]

Is your sand too fine? Or maybe the fines need to be rinsed out?

it would be cruel to remove the fishes hiding places, finding a balance should be your goal perhaps?

Its pretty fine. half the sand is about two years old, the other half is like a year. Some came from my old tank and some I bought new to add to it with teh 525xl.

 

[Midrats]

I just let my Streams make dunes. Occasionally I'll rake it all level when my wife asks why the sand is like that.