Sand or no sand... that is the question??

[VelasCorals]

I can’t decide if I should add sand to my tank or not. It’s a mixed reef so I don’t have an insane amount of flow for SPS. I’m just getting tired of see the glass at the bottom and “how†unnatural it looks.

What would you do?

 

[Jcr's Reef]

Its really a personal choice for most. When I ran BB I had problems keeping my alk up, plus it just looks to clean for me. If I ever go back to BB, I will have a zoa garden growing on the bottom of the tank so I can't see the glass

 

[ficklefins]

I’m just getting tired of see the glass at the bottom and “how” unnatural it looks.

To me, I think you answered your question already.

 

[Reef Pets]

Bare Bottom in my opinion. You can keep your water cleaner and I like the looks of the bottom glass once its covered in Coraline. But, as stated above, its a personal choice.

 

[SaraB]

If you are tired of looking at the glass, then add just a shallow sandbed. If you decide you don't like it, you can always siphon it back out!

 

[Luisra]

I like the natural look of sand, but it can be a pita when cleaning your glass. I prefer to have a tank without sand and scratches.

 

[Russellaqua]

I personally prefer sand in a tank, but it is up to each person. Reefpets likes the look of coraline algae, and I really don't. I think that, and the more natural look are my main reasons for liking sand so much. If you do decide to add sand the big question will be: what kind?

 

[VelasCorals]

I wouldn't mind having the bottom covered in coraline. I'ved tired shaving rocks in my systems that have it growing but it never takes off in the tank. Has anyone tired to buy those coraline seeding kits you can buy online? Coraline would look much better than glass...

 

[Mr. Tang]

I just switched to BB from a sand bed. So far, it's been a great decision. I increased my flow by 6400gph and have had no problems keeping the bottom clean. I do have a couple of small packets of sand but do plan on removing them a little at a time. I plan on using coraline algae and GSP to cover the bottom. Although I'm a little worried about the GSP growing up on the rocks.

 

[Troylee]

sand.... i can't live without it... i also choose caribsea special grade seafloor over any other one....

 

[Reef Pets]

I just switched to BB from a sand bed. So far, it's been a great decision. I increased my flow by 6400gph and have had no problems keeping the bottom clean. I do have a couple of small packets of sand but do plan on removing them a little at a time. I plan on using coraline algae and GSP to cover the bottom. Although I'm a little worried about the GSP growing up on the rocks.

I have seen GSP covered bottoms and it looks really cool in my opinion. As you stated, it can get out of control. But if you take the time to trim it back its well worth it. A bare bottom covered in Ricordea would look great as well.

 

[Jcr's Reef]

I personally prefer sand in a tank, but it is up to each person. Reefpets likes the look of coraline algae, and I really don't. I think that, and the more natural look are my main reasons for liking sand so much. If you do decide to add sand the big question will be: what kind?

I wouldn't waste your money on them. They do work for a new tank (dead rock), but chances are you can buy frags from other reefers and the "seed" is already on it, plus you get a frag lol!

Tropic Eden is the sand I use. Love it!

 

[mojo]

+1 on the tropic eden. its the only sand I will use anymore. Its just so clean. Get the reef flakes. all the others are just too fine in my opinion.

 

[SDguy]

If you are tired of looking at the glass, then add just a shallow sandbed. If you decide you don't like it, you can always siphon it back out!

+1. And I'm pulling my sand out this weekend :bigsmile:

 

[drainbamage]

I have two tanks with sand, they're both healthy and hearty and look great. The one tank that's running BB has steadily done worse and worse over a long period of time. They're smaller tanks though, so not sure if maybe that's part of it. All I know is when the BB tank gets moved or re-setup for any reason, I'm pouring sand back into it and not letting anyone talk me into siphoning it out like last time.

 

[johnanddawn]

i have had tanks with dsb's, ssb's, and bb's and to be honest i like bb the best by far
my current tank has a tile floor and looks as natural as any sand tank without the detritus trap - check it out
all the lack of a "natural look" comments about bb just don't justify the mess for me
sand is always dirty looking to me unless you vacuum it often and i don't need more mantainence
and as far as the buffering capabilities i would go rsb before i put it in my display
to each there own but for me bb is the only way to go

 

[kuyatwo]

Check out reefbuilders they have an article in mixing sand and concrete to make a faux sand bottom I am going to try it on my new tank as I like bb on sps tanks

 

[cultivatedcoral]

Adding sand is just creating a haven for phosphates and nitrates. Have you ever taken a sand bed out after 2-3 years? It's absolutely disgusting and comes out in black water. I would not want to deal with those headaches a sand bed will cause and I like the way sand looks.

 

[VelasCorals]

Mr Coral is sending me some Coraline from his systems with my order. I'm going to try to seed the tank with some better growing Coraline to cover the bottom glass. I want the tank to look like WWC's display. I love the coraline covering the bottom glass.

 

[JR's Reef]

Ive ran both and prefer BB. I just use star board for glass bottom tank or have a pvc bottom tank not a big fan of the glass look