whats better shallow or deep sand bed.??
- Thread starter Nickdang
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Small triggers
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Shallow with medium grain sand...no oolite or sugar grain sized stuff...
You could also go bare bottom for true ease....
You could also go bare bottom for true ease....
Small triggers
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Still normal maintenance, much easier to clean junk off of the bottom...
DeepSeaIllusions
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My suggestion is to have an 1,5-2 inches at the front to 0,5 an inch at the back. This way you create the look of a deep sand bed while you don't actually have one. Your aquascape should always be build upon the glass and not on top of the substrate. On YouTube you can watch a guy called Newyorksteelo and he gives you a lot of information about having a deep sand bed.
Palting
Active Member
As I understand it, true deep sand beds of 6" depth have a limited lifespan. They are great biofilters, but after 5 years or so start releasing sulfides and toxins, and therefore have to be renewed/replaced.
Shallow sand beds, less than3", still provide some biofiltration (not as much obviously), and can provide habitat for critters that can function as CUC or food.
I'm not fond of the look of barebottom tanks. I like the more natural appeal of a sandbed. I do orient my powerheads to provide high flow across the 3" sandbed so that there is not detritus accumulation.
Shallow sand beds, less than3", still provide some biofiltration (not as much obviously), and can provide habitat for critters that can function as CUC or food.
I'm not fond of the look of barebottom tanks. I like the more natural appeal of a sandbed. I do orient my powerheads to provide high flow across the 3" sandbed so that there is not detritus accumulation.
Tradewinds
Active Member
A friend put black starboard down and it looked pretty good, albeit not as natural as sand.
DaveMorris
MACNA2016 Co-Chair
A deep sandbed that has the proper amount of critters in it along with cud's, stars, conchs, etc will do just fine over a long period of time. They do not cause a problem long term unless they are not taken care of. That being said, for a beginner I would continue to read and learn before you get too crazy. The sandbed question really comes into play depending on what livestock you want. If you want any wrasse's, then you will need some sand because they sleep buried in the sand.
