Restarting my RSM130 as Bare Bottom ?

[Satbert]

Hello Everyone,

I originally started my RSM in March of 2009. I had to take it down last September because we were doing major renovations. All my live stock is in a smaller 12gal JBJ and I have a lot of LR cooking since March 2014.

I'm now thinking about restarting my RSM as BB but after researching the web for BB RSMs I could now find a lot, maybe a handful. They are not very common and other than the cosmetic factor I was wondering if there was any other reason for not going that route ?

I'm looking for your opinion on the subject !

Thanks in advance and Happy New Year !

 

[brandon429]

This is my opinion thanks for posting, a good subject indeed:

sandbed pros:
looks, its classic

they specifically hold more biota than non sb tanks, microfauna, which cast gametes and pelagic larvae into suspension for the benefit of the system

even sb detractors do not deny that

some people can attain notable nitrate reduction, my system does for sure there are macro pics and video of gas reduction in action but its hard to attain. touted as always in effect, in reality hardly ever in effect. the addition of a sb results in higher nitrate not lower as they age, primarily due to waste sinking outpacing gas n2 production

cons (numerous)

diaper effect
import nearly always always outpaces export in 99% of dsbs. the other percent is my tank where violent cleanings ensue and the sandbed is as clean at ten yrs as it was at 3 days cheat approach lol

more active surface area for bacteria, bad in a power outage. oxygen consumers galore, contribute to crashes bigtime

the place where old tank syndrome occurs

adds more calcium carbonate surface area for phosphate adhesion and liberation by bacteria (part of ots)


so I say go bb man!

cover it w corals, lr chunks, anything creative

 

[Satbert]

Tks Brandon429 - I appreciate the quick reply and your feedback. I agree and i'm thinking I have nothing to loose by starting BB and add SB later if I really don't like it. I will start a thread on my tank as soon as I start it again (soon).