Sand or bare bottom?

Waldo22 · 02/12/2008, 01:49 AM

Which one is best? Im debateing the matter. I know that if I dont use proper clean up crew a sand bead can end in disaster. Nitrates/ nitrites galore. Thats why Im tempted to go bare.

Also if I do use sand how much do I want to put down? I have a 40 gallon breeder.

LovinDaReef · 02/12/2008, 01:59 AM

I would suggest 40 LBs of live sand, for starters. Some use deep sand beds of 5-6" of sand.

Depends what you want to keep.

FranktheTankTx · 02/12/2008, 02:09 AM

Ahh... the $100 question. I'll simplify it:

DSB: You could go 4-6" in the DT, but really why? Now days with everyone (or almost everyone) utilizing a DSB in the refugium why waste space in your DT with one as well? They will fill up with uneaten food, poop, and god knows what else eventually and lead to a collapse of your tank. Not too mention, doesn't that DSB just look hideous on the front glass?

Shallow Sand Bed: Here's a real good idea. Build a 2" sand bed. If you like sand critters ala, nassarious snails, sand sifting cukes, stars then do this. You can vacuum up shallow sand beds without a problem. Clean them up from time to time when doing water changes. Since it's not a DSB, it won't harm your tank. What you end up with is a natural look that stays clean.

Barebottom: More and more people are doing this. For multiple reasons. 1) They're tired of maintaning a sand bed. 2) May have had bad luck with sand beds. OR 3) Want to grow corals on the glass. Think about it... a bed of zoo's along the bottom glass!!!
BB is also way, way, way easier to maintain your levels. You can always use a remote DSB in the refugium to complement it.

There... I wasn't trying to write a book. Just a quick simple look at both. It really depends on what you want. I kid this one guy I know... he has a 180g tank with about 40g of water in it because of the deepest sand bed I've ever seen. I hate the look of DSB.

02/12/2008, 01:49 AM	#1
Waldo22 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Sammamish WA Posts: 6	Sand or bare bottom? Which one is best? Im debateing the matter. I know that if I dont use proper clean up crew a sand bead can end in disaster. Nitrates/ nitrites galore. Thats why Im tempted to go bare. Also if I do use sand how much do I want to put down? I have a 40 gallon breeder.

02/12/2008, 02:09 AM	#3
FranktheTankTx Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 2,306	Ahh... the $100 question. I'll simplify it: DSB: You could go 4-6" in the DT, but really why? Now days with everyone (or almost everyone) utilizing a DSB in the refugium why waste space in your DT with one as well? They will fill up with uneaten food, poop, and god knows what else eventually and lead to a collapse of your tank. Not too mention, doesn't that DSB just look hideous on the front glass? Shallow Sand Bed: Here's a real good idea. Build a 2" sand bed. If you like sand critters ala, nassarious snails, sand sifting cukes, stars then do this. You can vacuum up shallow sand beds without a problem. Clean them up from time to time when doing water changes. Since it's not a DSB, it won't harm your tank. What you end up with is a natural look that stays clean. Barebottom: More and more people are doing this. For multiple reasons. 1) They're tired of maintaning a sand bed. 2) May have had bad luck with sand beds. OR 3) Want to grow corals on the glass. Think about it... a bed of zoo's along the bottom glass!!! BB is also way, way, way easier to maintain your levels. You can always use a remote DSB in the refugium to complement it. There... I wasn't trying to write a book. Just a quick simple look at both. It really depends on what you want. I kid this one guy I know... he has a 180g tank with about 40g of water in it because of the deepest sand bed I've ever seen. I hate the look of DSB. __________________ Frank the Tank "What, I thought we were in the trust tree... in the nest? Are we not?" Current Tank Info: Custom Rimless 60g (30.5"x24.5"x18.5")

02/12/2008, 01:59 AM	#2
LovinDaReef Moved On Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 267	I would suggest 40 LBs of live sand, for starters. Some use deep sand beds of 5-6" of sand. Depends what you want to keep.