Silly Question

[dawi03]

I’ve seen all these barebottom tanks or minimalistic tanks, how are these tanks established tanks when there is nothing to “cycle”? Are they just relying on biomedia or dosing?

 

[Wasabiroot]

The bacteria live in the rock structure, sump and overflow as well. These tanks are more challenging to cycle but avoid the pitfalls of deep sand beds being a reservoir for detritus and waste, allowing waste to stay in suspension until it is removed. Not to mention, most tanks use a combination of filtration and waste export methods and don't exclusively rely on the sand.
I prefer the natural look of sand and its ability to be a habitat for beneficial organisms, but to each their own.