Going bare bottom on existing tank?

[Frenchie87]

I have a 144 gallon half circle. Has been set up for 8 months. My clownfish keeps throwing sand all over the tank and lands all over the corals. I thought about going bare bottom before I set it up but decided against it at the last moment. So my question is can I remove my existing sand without a huge impact on the tank and crashing it. My thought are to suck out bits at a time over the next month or so maybe once a week with a 5 gallon water change. Also for a bare bottom tank is there any additional filtration I need to help break down waste? And is it alright to have a open glass bottom or does it need to be covered with starboard? Thanks for the help

 

[ritter6788]

I did it on my tank without issues. I vacuumed my sand several times beforehand to minimize waste released into the water.

 

[Frenchie87]

Is it alright to leave just open glass bottom?

 

[ritter6788]

Is it alright to leave just open glass bottom?

Yes. Make sure your rocks are secure in case anything comes tumbling down.

 

[Frenchie87]

And what about filtration. I'm running a reef octo xp3000 good for 300gal and a 15 gallon fuge. You thing this is sufficient?

 

[ritter6788]

Sounds like more than enough to me.

 

[Frenchie87]

Thanks for the help. Any regrets on losing the sand?

 

[ritter6788]

No regrets here. I was fighting nutrient issues until I got rid of the sand.

 

[Pappy]

Good info and appreciate input on this as I'm battling sand and coral issue too!