To go BB or not?

Jetdrvr · 01/13/2008, 10:38 AM

I am currently running a 125 and soon will be upgrading to a 210.
I have been thinking about going BB but can't seem to make up my mind. I like the benefits of BB but I reallyl like keeping jawfish and other sand dwelling critters. Help me decide.......

Thanks

johnnybravo234 · 01/13/2008, 11:32 AM

In the long run bb is better. I recently switched over to bb and wish I did it years ago. Then again I am not too big on fish so.. Good luck

ReefingBuddha · 01/13/2008, 03:11 PM

I ran DSB and SSB for 2 years and now have been running my first BB tank up for 8 months and I have really growth to like the look. It is also very easy to clean, I can have massive water movement, and my levels have been perfect for a while now. I feed heavily and skimmer heavily as well and have no problems with excess nutrients. Furthermore I have been growing zoos on the coralline algae on the bottom and its looking good.

poknsnok · 01/13/2008, 04:38 PM

i wanna see that big tank Tom

Jetdrvr · 01/14/2008, 12:16 PM

Anyone else? I am pretty much convinced that I will not do a DSB, now the question in my mind is BB or SSB.

hobogato · 01/14/2008, 12:51 PM

i just switched to a ssb in the display, but kept the dsb in the fuge. i had the wrong amount (3" or so) of sand in the display - too little to be a dsb and too much to be a ssb. it became a detritus trap. i have had the sand depth at about 1/2" to 1" for a few days now and my ORP has already come up 30 - 40 points. i just dont like the look of bb.

Jetdrvr · 01/14/2008, 01:24 PM

What kind of sand are you using (size?) I was thinking of that but don't want a sandstorm. I already have 2 6100 tunzes and will most likely be adding 2 more when I setup the new tank.
I also have fuge that I can do a RDSB but now I can't decide to keep that or not. I am thinking I will keep it to start with and then phase it out if need be.

JustinReef · 01/14/2008, 01:43 PM

In my opinion BB is ugly...I really like natural looking tanks and even a thin layer of sand is sooooo much nicer. I find BB tanks usually look very very man made, not only because of the lack of sand but also the way a lot of the rockwork is done. Just my opinion though...

camlov2 · 01/14/2008, 02:24 PM

I guess if you cover most of the bottom (or have coraline growth) It would look nice. I would think the two issues would be having enough water flow so that you don't get collections of waste, and enough light so that you can grow items to cover the bottom.

My Dottyback is annoying me by spitting sand on my corals, it would be nice to avoid that.

Brian

discocarp · 01/14/2008, 02:31 PM

After several successful BB tanks, I setup my new 265 with a SSB. I just like the look better. Some HUGE advantages to BB though. I'm a big fan of the method. If you don't mind the look, I'd say BB all the way. If you don't like the look and you've ruled out DSB, SSB it is!

simion3 · 01/14/2008, 02:36 PM

I love my BB. I used white starboard because I don't like the look of the glass by itself not to mention rock's sitting on top of the glass like that does not help me sleep lol. I've had the starboard for a year and its still pretty white although I do have some coralline growing in spots. Sand does look really awesome too though...

Jetdrvr · 01/14/2008, 02:40 PM

Where is the best place to get starboard from? Has anyone done Starboard and then put a SSB over it?

Thanks

glxtrix · 01/14/2008, 03:24 PM

why would you put starboard then sand over it? doesnt really accomplish anything. Personally I'm a BB fan. Had one in my 15g reef and now in my 140. I've done both DSB (4+") and SSb (1.5") Nothing in my eyes compares to a BB tank. Get good flow and a good skimmer and you'll love it!

cloak · 01/14/2008, 03:26 PM

Both can work. I've had my DSB for eight years now and still going strong. Just depends on the husbandry of the aquarist.

Jetdrvr · 01/14/2008, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by glxtrix
why would you put starboard then sand over it? doesnt really accomplish anything. Personally I'm a BB fan. Had one in my 15g reef and now in my 140. I've done both DSB (4+") and SSb (1.5") Nothing in my eyes compares to a BB tank. Get good flow and a good skimmer and you'll love it!

I was thinking of starboard and sand for 2 reasons. To protect the glass from a landslide, I don't think and inch of sand would help much and in case I wanted to suck the sand out it would already be there.

Or if I started with BB and then wanted to add sand would it hurt to have it under there?

discocarp · 01/14/2008, 08:15 PM

It would be fine under sand. I wouldn't go out of my to do it, but if it was already there it would be no problem.

Jetdrvr · 01/14/2008, 10:49 PM

I am going to start with BB starboard and the sand will be my out if I can't get BB to work for me.

SurfnFish · 01/14/2008, 11:09 PM

I had BB for 4 months after having a DSB. I didn't like the look, so I recently added a very SSB. I mean, like a layer of sand just to cover the bottom. The white sand really reflects everything in the tank, and makes it look soo much brighter. I liked BB for ease of cleanliness, and aiming flow, but nothing beats the look of sand in a reef tank to me. Just my .02

glxtrix · 01/14/2008, 11:46 PM

you don't need to worry about falling rocks breaking your glass tank. Have you ever seen a rock fall with enough force in a tank to break anything? (other than SPS) I havn't...and you never will. In any event, BB and sand beds are set up different. The key is to have flow, and to have that flow get to every part of your tank so no ditritus can settle. True BB people wont have a bit of sand in their tank....even the ones with sumps, thats just extra water volume. But like some say, its not for every one. You could put starboard down first then cover it with sand, but honestly, your rocks wont break the glass. Starboard is kinda expensive...tho I guess that all depends on your budget. Good luck with the decision and let us know what your final decision is

JustinReef · 01/15/2008, 01:42 AM

The problem with starboard is it gets ugly after a few months. I have a friend whos starboard is actually pretty decent looking still after about a year but its getting kind of dirty looking. But I still don't think starboard looks good even when its brand new

Oh and do not keep sand sifting creatures in a bare bottom tank because they often get very depressed. That same friend I mentioned tried to keep a wrasse (can't remember name) that likes to burrow in the sand but had to get rid of it because it hated the bare bottom. It never really came out of the rocks but as soon as he put it in his nano tank with sand, it was fine again and comfortable.

NoSchwag · 01/15/2008, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by justinpsmith
The problem with starboard is it gets ugly after a few months.

May we see a picture of your tank? Someone with such a strong opinion on this must have a beautiful tank.

Going BB depends on what type of skimmer and pumps you have. I see people saying that they had a BB tank but then added sand, all that means is that they didn't have correct flow anyway, and were bound to fail.

With the correct, high velocity flow, no sand would be able to settle. Remember, a lot of poop is heavier than sand. If the sand is able to settle, so it the crap.

Just my .2. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Jetdrvr · 01/15/2008, 09:02 AM

I have a Reeflo Orca 250 for this tank. I am confident that will be oveskimming enough. Return pump is a reeflo barracuda (under 12' head) and I will use 4 tunzes (1 6000, 3 6100) on a multicontroller for flow. Tank dimensions are standard (72x24x30).
Do you all think that will be sufficient flow if I get it aimed correctly?

glxtrix · 01/15/2008, 09:51 AM

that should be pretty nice. Just make sure you dont have any dead spots or spots that collect junk. Its sometimes hard to acchieve that so some BB people go with less rock, tho not loved by everyone aesthetically, thats another choice thats up to you. But you should be fine.

sdkohio · 01/15/2008, 11:23 AM

Ok, So when I had a tank years ago I had 2.5 in of Crushed coral. Never was crazy about it. It seemed like a poop trap. Not a big BB fan but I am liking the sound of ssb. Someone mentioned how the fish poop is heavier than the sand. What about a thin layer of CC? Is CC completely out of vogue?

I am learning toward the ssb or (if I dont hear terrible things) a thin CC bed. I like the heaviness of CC, that is the only reason I am considering it.

Tank will be a light load with a mix of inhabitant types.

Cope · 01/15/2008, 11:35 AM

I ran a tank with 1/4" to 1/2 of CC for a while it worked ok for me?
JMO
Cope
(edit) I would gravel vac that sucker right to the bottom, and I did not keep corals in it, it was FO.

01/13/2008, 10:38 AM	#1
Jetdrvr Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Howland OH Posts: 445	To go BB or not? I am currently running a 125 and soon will be upgrading to a 210. I have been thinking about going BB but can't seem to make up my mind. I like the benefits of BB but I reallyl like keeping jawfish and other sand dwelling critters. Help me decide....... Thanks

01/13/2008, 03:11 PM	#3
ReefingBuddha Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Winterpark, FL Posts: 1,330	I ran DSB and SSB for 2 years and now have been running my first BB tank up for 8 months and I have really growth to like the look. It is also very easy to clean, I can have massive water movement, and my levels have been perfect for a while now. I feed heavily and skimmer heavily as well and have no problems with excess nutrients. Furthermore I have been growing zoos on the coralline algae on the bottom and its looking good. __________________ -Tom Current Tank Info: Starting a new 300g In-wall, 600g system

01/14/2008, 11:09 PM	#18
SurfnFish Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Vandenberg Air Force Base, California Posts: 676	I had BB for 4 months after having a DSB. I didn't like the look, so I recently added a very SSB. I mean, like a layer of sand just to cover the bottom. The white sand really reflects everything in the tank, and makes it look soo much brighter. I liked BB for ease of cleanliness, and aiming flow, but nothing beats the look of sand in a reef tank to me. Just my .02 __________________ 17x17x10 Shallow Cube. RapidLED Par38 with 60* optics, AC modified for fuge, CPR BakPak w/Maxi jet 1200. Clown w/ LTA, Zoas and Softies. Current Tank Info: 17x17x10 Shallow Cube

01/15/2008, 11:23 AM	#24
sdkohio Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: BG, OH Posts: 24	Ok, So when I had a tank years ago I had 2.5 in of Crushed coral. Never was crazy about it. It seemed like a poop trap. Not a big BB fan but I am liking the sound of ssb. Someone mentioned how the fish poop is heavier than the sand. What about a thin layer of CC? Is CC completely out of vogue? I am learning toward the ssb or (if I dont hear terrible things) a thin CC bed. I like the heaviness of CC, that is the only reason I am considering it. Tank will be a light load with a mix of inhabitant types. __________________ Please keep in mind, any comments I make are JMHO &/or IME. Current Tank Info: 2.5 Pico

01/15/2008, 11:35 AM	#25
Cope Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: In deep water (SLT CA) Posts: 595	I ran a tank with 1/4" to 1/2 of CC for a while it worked ok for me? JMO Cope (edit) I would gravel vac that sucker right to the bottom, and I did not keep corals in it, it was FO. __________________ I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain. Current Tank Info: Soon to be 500 gallon mixed reef!

01/13/2008, 11:32 AM	#2
johnnybravo234 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Litchfield County, CT Posts: 771	In the long run bb is better. I recently switched over to bb and wish I did it years ago. Then again I am not too big on fish so.. Good luck

01/13/2008, 04:38 PM	#4
poknsnok Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: tampa/ Brandon Posts: 2,802	i wanna see that big tank Tom

01/14/2008, 12:16 PM	#5
Jetdrvr Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Howland OH Posts: 445	Anyone else? I am pretty much convinced that I will not do a DSB, now the question in my mind is BB or SSB.

01/14/2008, 12:51 PM	#6
hobogato Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 1,517	i just switched to a ssb in the display, but kept the dsb in the fuge. i had the wrong amount (3" or so) of sand in the display - too little to be a dsb and too much to be a ssb. it became a detritus trap. i have had the sand depth at about 1/2" to 1" for a few days now and my ORP has already come up 30 - 40 points. i just dont like the look of bb.

01/14/2008, 01:24 PM	#7
Jetdrvr Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Howland OH Posts: 445	What kind of sand are you using (size?) I was thinking of that but don't want a sandstorm. I already have 2 6100 tunzes and will most likely be adding 2 more when I setup the new tank. I also have fuge that I can do a RDSB but now I can't decide to keep that or not. I am thinking I will keep it to start with and then phase it out if need be.

01/14/2008, 01:43 PM	#8
JustinReef Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 3,715	In my opinion BB is ugly...I really like natural looking tanks and even a thin layer of sand is sooooo much nicer. I find BB tanks usually look very very man made, not only because of the lack of sand but also the way a lot of the rockwork is done. Just my opinion though...

01/14/2008, 02:24 PM	#9
camlov2 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northern California Posts: 551	I guess if you cover most of the bottom (or have coraline growth) It would look nice. I would think the two issues would be having enough water flow so that you don't get collections of waste, and enough light so that you can grow items to cover the bottom. My Dottyback is annoying me by spitting sand on my corals, it would be nice to avoid that. Brian

01/14/2008, 02:31 PM	#10
discocarp Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Winter Park, FL Posts: 2,707	After several successful BB tanks, I setup my new 265 with a SSB. I just like the look better. Some HUGE advantages to BB though. I'm a big fan of the method. If you don't mind the look, I'd say BB all the way. If you don't like the look and you've ruled out DSB, SSB it is!

01/14/2008, 02:36 PM	#11
simion3 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 238	I love my BB. I used white starboard because I don't like the look of the glass by itself not to mention rock's sitting on top of the glass like that does not help me sleep lol. I've had the starboard for a year and its still pretty white although I do have some coralline growing in spots. Sand does look really awesome too though...

01/14/2008, 02:40 PM	#12
Jetdrvr Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Howland OH Posts: 445	Where is the best place to get starboard from? Has anyone done Starboard and then put a SSB over it? Thanks

01/14/2008, 03:24 PM	#13
glxtrix Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ATL, GA Posts: 882	why would you put starboard then sand over it? doesnt really accomplish anything. Personally I'm a BB fan. Had one in my 15g reef and now in my 140. I've done both DSB (4+") and SSb (1.5") Nothing in my eyes compares to a BB tank. Get good flow and a good skimmer and you'll love it!

01/14/2008, 03:26 PM	#14
cloak Moved On Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 14,854	Both can work. I've had my DSB for eight years now and still going strong. Just depends on the husbandry of the aquarist.

01/14/2008, 08:15 PM	#16
discocarp Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Winter Park, FL Posts: 2,707	It would be fine under sand. I wouldn't go out of my to do it, but if it was already there it would be no problem.

01/14/2008, 10:49 PM	#17
Jetdrvr Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Howland OH Posts: 445	I am going to start with BB starboard and the sand will be my out if I can't get BB to work for me.

01/14/2008, 11:46 PM	#19
glxtrix Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ATL, GA Posts: 882	you don't need to worry about falling rocks breaking your glass tank. Have you ever seen a rock fall with enough force in a tank to break anything? (other than SPS) I havn't...and you never will. In any event, BB and sand beds are set up different. The key is to have flow, and to have that flow get to every part of your tank so no ditritus can settle. True BB people wont have a bit of sand in their tank....even the ones with sumps, thats just extra water volume. But like some say, its not for every one. You could put starboard down first then cover it with sand, but honestly, your rocks wont break the glass. Starboard is kinda expensive...tho I guess that all depends on your budget. Good luck with the decision and let us know what your final decision is

01/15/2008, 01:42 AM	#20
JustinReef Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 3,715	The problem with starboard is it gets ugly after a few months. I have a friend whos starboard is actually pretty decent looking still after about a year but its getting kind of dirty looking. But I still don't think starboard looks good even when its brand new Oh and do not keep sand sifting creatures in a bare bottom tank because they often get very depressed. That same friend I mentioned tried to keep a wrasse (can't remember name) that likes to burrow in the sand but had to get rid of it because it hated the bare bottom. It never really came out of the rocks but as soon as he put it in his nano tank with sand, it was fine again and comfortable.

01/15/2008, 09:02 AM	#22
Jetdrvr Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Howland OH Posts: 445	I have a Reeflo Orca 250 for this tank. I am confident that will be oveskimming enough. Return pump is a reeflo barracuda (under 12' head) and I will use 4 tunzes (1 6000, 3 6100) on a multicontroller for flow. Tank dimensions are standard (72x24x30). Do you all think that will be sufficient flow if I get it aimed correctly?

01/15/2008, 09:51 AM	#23
glxtrix Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ATL, GA Posts: 882	that should be pretty nice. Just make sure you dont have any dead spots or spots that collect junk. Its sometimes hard to acchieve that so some BB people go with less rock, tho not loved by everyone aesthetically, thats another choice thats up to you. But you should be fine.