Opinions on bare bottom or sand?

[Poseidon's snail]

HI just wondering if i made a mistake going with sand - what are the pro's and cons?
thanks

 

[ichthyogeek]

Sand certainly has an aesthetic nature to it. And you can keep burrowing creatures like wrasses in it as well. It can also help buffer the tank to some degree, and foster microfauna growth like copepods.

But it also can function as a waste trap if you don't vacuum it, and some corals don't like being on the bottom of the tank when there's sand present (too much irritation.

 

[Poseidon's snail]

ok thank you

 

[old salt reefer]

Sand certainly has an aesthetic nature to it. And you can keep burrowing creatures like wrasses in it as well. It can also help buffer the tank to some degree, and foster microfauna growth like copepods.

But it also can function as a waste trap if you don't vacuum it, and some corals don't like being on the bottom of the tank when there's sand present (too much irritation.

I find it much easier to keep things stable in the long run without gravel. I can't believe the amount of detritus that builds up(and I remove) in just 3-4 days. I no longer have any tanks with gravel in them(and never will).

 

[FortyFour44]

I prefer sand for the aesthetics and the fact that some animals like/need it (some wrasses, snails, pods, etc). For what it’s worth, BRS suggested that it was easier to keep their tanks stable with sand. If you already have sand, I wouldn’t go back and remove it as that may cause the tank to become unstable.

That all being said you can’t really make a mistake either way. You can have a beautiful and successful tank with or without sand. Roll with it and get some creatures that need it.

 

[BarSnackz]

If you enjoy the look of sand, then definitely keep it! There is no right or wrong decision and barebottom definitely isn't the prettiest to look at before it gets corraline IMO.

I love the look of sand and the fish that can bury in it. But hate the amount of upkeep to try to keep it clean and the constant fear of stirring it up too much and causing an ammonia spike.
I went barebottom with this new build I started a month ago and it's insane how easy it is to keep the bottom clean - I just rev up my MP40's for a few minutes and all the detritus gets kicked up to the overflow.

 

[AlgaeBarn]

I personally enjoy having sand in the tank! Just make sure you have no dead spots and as to not make the sand bed too deep.