No Sand, Shallow Sand, Deep Sand...That Is The Question

[Killer Karma]

So I'm going to be redoing the rock work in at least half of my 350 gallon tank this weekend "hopefully" to get rid of a million trash pallys , and I'm wondering what everyone's thoughts are on a sand bed. I'd say mine is currently 1 1/2" to 2" deep.

 

[sternicus]

I think the trend is becoming not more than 2 inches for a sand bed. Deep sand beds are proving to have some negative effects over longer periods and are really only species beneficial in certain situations

 

[Killer Karma]

I think the trend is becoming not more than 2 inches for a sand bed. Deep sand beds are proving to have some negative effects over longer periods and are really only species beneficial in certain situations

I've had my tank operating for years and it's going fine and I probably shouldn't mess with a good thing but.. I do not run any sand sifting goby, starfish, snails etc. Every inch of my sand is filled with tube worms which does not seem happen when the sand is constantly being disturbed. Would anyone recommend hiring a sand cleaning crew or leave it as is?

 

[andrewkw]

I say do whatever makes you happy. While I am big on bare bottom currently as that's how I'm running my reef, I've tried all of the above and all of the above certainly work as you maintain them just like you have to maintain any reef. I certainly don't think everyone should have a bare bottom tank just because it's working well for me right now.

If you don't use sand the only things you have to consider are : Can you tolerate the look of bare bottom? Are you going to miss sand sifting creatures?

For any sand bed depth the only important questions are : Are you going to maintain it? Can your flow pattern exist with a sand bed? Sure there are other things to consider for both but these are the most important.

 

[Kmsutows]

I've always liked the look of a little sand. Just be careful killing those palys.. palytoxins can be serious if you haven't heard about them. How do you plan on killing them?

 

[sdcosta]

I have close to 4 inches of sand, I also have a long tentacle anemone that loves and needs that. Tank has been up for a year and have had no issues. I do have multiple fighting conchs, sand sifting gobies and such to keep it in check though. Sand is natural in the ocean so why not have it in the tank? I also have high flow in the tank... so I guess it really depends on what works for you and your tank.

 

[Killer Karma]

I've always liked the look of a little sand. Just be careful killing those palys.. palytoxins can be serious if you haven't heard about them. How do you plan on killing them?

After several failed attempts, and yes these ones are filled to the brim with toxin, I'm going to remove all of the rock with the offending palys - leave it in the florida summer sun all day "it's brutal right now", then bleach/water it overnight, then let it cycle in a trash can with salt water and no light for awhile. I'm pretty sure this will kill the offending pallys.

 

[Pongo]

I'm sure you're very experienced and know all about paly toxin, but I hate reading stories about people nearly dying from accidental exposure. So go over cautious with protective gear, goggles, mask, gloves.
That stuff can get airborn and the oral LD50 for a mouse is about 750 mcg/kg.

As for sand, I run a 4" sandbed with cerith snails and 2 fighting conches in a 5' x 2' tank.
I also use a turkey baster and stir up the sand once a week.
I just like the looks of it, but it does require some effort.

 

[Killer Karma]

I'm sure you're very experienced and know all about paly toxin, but I hate reading stories about people nearly dying from accidental exposure. So go over cautious with protective gear, goggles, mask, gloves.
That stuff can get airborn and the oral LD50 for a mouse is about 750 mcg/kg.

As for sand, I run a 4" sandbed with cerith snails and 2 fighting conches in a 5' x 2' tank.
I also use a turkey baster and stir up the sand once a week.
I just like the looks of it, but it does require some effort.

I was waiting to do the job until all my rotective gear came in. Need to get them out of the tank as my sons are at the age were they want to help and dont need the chance of something like that being suspended in the water

 

[BlueCursor]

+1 on Whatever makes you happy. Just be aware of pros and cons of each type.