Sand bed or bare bottom. Pros and cons?

[Safarali]

As the title states. I think I would rather go with out the sand. But what are the pros and cons?

[WishNewFish]

Did the bare bottom and changed it back to sand today.

problem with bare bottom:

algae growth, bacterial film growth. Detritus accumulate and eventually stick

[Safarali]

I plan on a higher flow. And still siphon the gunk. I just want to make sure that I would or would not need anything different if I decide on no sand. Grew up in Fairfax btw

[FirstContact]

I love the ocean, and sand is a huge part of that. Just can't do a tank without sand. I know that's not the popular choice these days, but just seems so unnatural. Plus, I like sand burrowing wrasses. And I just like seeing the sand in and a part of the tank.

[Safarali]

I love the sand too. But looking at long term and honestly from my research it will be easier for someone with less experience like me. Not to mention time and cost savings. But if I'm wrong please let me know

[madweazl]

Hit it with the gravel vac a couple times a year and it will be problem free. Outside of being lazy, I cant fathom sand affecting long term success. 

[going deep]

I started my new tank in Nov 16 as a bare bottom since it is a shallow tank and my plan is to grow SPS with a lot of flow.  Having no sand is not bothering me but having a lot of flow is great.  I have not detritus issue.  Algae growth on bottom is easily removable.  Really depends on what you plan on doing with your reef tank.

[Safarali]

I really want tons of corals. Maybe only 8 or 9 different reef safe fish. And not wanting sand isn't just a lazy factor. Seen some bare boo Tom tanks and think they look great. I just wanted to know if there is any negative impact if I go sandless

[sen5241b]

sand! It looks nice and will hold a lot of beneficial bacteria. There have been numerous stories about very old sand beds getting stirred up and killing everything --too many to ignore but stir the sand in small sections once every six months and you will be fine.

[GOSKN5]

If you can.. paint the bottom white on the underside of the tank... looks decent enough for me and I'm picky..

 

Leave room around your rocks and scrape the bottom like the sides and it will stay fairly clean for ya...

 

Here are a few I have done this way.. doubt I ever have sand again...i siphon weekly and scrape it regularly.. keeps it pretty clean

 

 

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[Safarali]

Ok. That's exactly the type of tank I want. Thanks. I will develop and hopefully have something that amazing soon.

[Safarali]

Please show how you have set that up.

[Safarali]

Including media and everything.

[GOSKN5]

just have to stay on top of the cleaning etc...

 

Paint the bottom white underside with some high quality spray paint..

 

The tanks were all run fairly low nutrient.. barebottom, big skimmer, GFO and Carbon in reactors, filter sock, and water changes... nothing out of the ordinary...

 

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