Is substrate necessary?

greece86 · 09/27/2010, 10:19 AM

Does it make a dramatic difference in H2O quality if no substrate is added in a fish only tank?

jeff@zina.com · 09/27/2010, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greece86

Does it make a dramatic difference in H2O quality if no substrate is added in a fish only tank?

No.

Jeff

theatrus · 09/27/2010, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greece86

Does it make a dramatic difference in H2O quality if no substrate is added in a fish only tank?

No, as long as you have filter capacity elsewhere. Running substrateless however means you want to have lots of flow, or waste will collect on the bottom and be very obvious.

TripleT · 09/27/2010, 10:36 AM

It's one more place for bacteria, pods, bristleworms, etc to live. All good for keeping your tank healthy.

Some livestock also benefit from burrowing or finding hollows under rock for shelter.

Will the tank have plenty of rock?

agreeive?fish · 09/27/2010, 10:40 AM

+1000 to theatrus post

but it will also depend on what fish you have/plan on having because some REQUIRE a substrate to hide/sleep/eat/make a home

edited to add,, Triple T posted while i was typing my reply so add a +1000 to tripple T post as well

lordofthereef · 09/27/2010, 11:02 AM

Bare bottom vs substrate tanks are a huge topic amongst aquarists. Everyone has their own preference. I think the vast majority of people who end up going with some form of substrate make the choice based purely on aesthetics though. Of course this is not referring to those who go with a deep sand bad.

csarkar001 · 09/27/2010, 11:04 AM

its easier to keep a barebottom tank clean. but it just doesnt look as good.

crodger · 09/27/2010, 11:41 AM

It is not required at all, and will likely help you to keep it cleaner by not having detrius collect in the substrate

Palting · 09/27/2010, 12:36 PM

+ 1 to all above. However, I like the look of a substrate, whether I need it or not.

aleonn · 09/27/2010, 01:18 PM

Lots of people do bare bottom nowadays, but I prefer a 1-1.5" sandbed. To me it looks more like a reef when there's sand.

09/27/2010, 10:19 AM	#1
greece86 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 77	Is substrate necessary? Does it make a dramatic difference in H2O quality if no substrate is added in a fish only tank?

09/27/2010, 11:02 AM	#6
lordofthereef One reef to rule them all Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Leominster, MA Posts: 5,299	Bare bottom vs substrate tanks are a huge topic amongst aquarists. Everyone has their own preference. I think the vast majority of people who end up going with some form of substrate make the choice based purely on aesthetics though. Of course this is not referring to those who go with a deep sand bad. __________________ "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself" ~ Josh Billings Visit My Home page for current build thread (click my user name and select "Visit LordoftheReef's Homepage" in the drop down menu!

09/27/2010, 12:36 PM	#9
Palting Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,912	+ 1 to all above. However, I like the look of a substrate, whether I need it or not. __________________ Anything I post is just an opinion. One of many in this hobby. Believe and follow at your own risk of rapid and complete annihilation of all life in your tank :) Current Tank Info: Incept 3/2010, 150 RR, 50g sump, 20g fuge, 150w 15K MH x3, T5 actinics x8, moonlight LED x6, 1400gph return, Koralia 1400 x4, 300 g skimmer, 4 tangs, 2 mandarins, 2 perc, 6 line, 3 cardinals, 2 firefish, SPS, LPS, zoas, palys, shrooms, clam

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09/27/2010, 10:36 AM	#4
TripleT Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 1,092	It's one more place for bacteria, pods, bristleworms, etc to live. All good for keeping your tank healthy. Some livestock also benefit from burrowing or finding hollows under rock for shelter. Will the tank have plenty of rock?

09/27/2010, 10:40 AM	#5
agreeive?fish Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 3,803	+1000 to theatrus post but it will also depend on what fish you have/plan on having because some REQUIRE a substrate to hide/sleep/eat/make a home edited to add,, Triple T posted while i was typing my reply so add a +1000 to tripple T post as well

09/27/2010, 11:04 AM	#7
csarkar001 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: stamford, ct Posts: 345	its easier to keep a barebottom tank clean. but it just doesnt look as good.

09/27/2010, 11:41 AM	#8
crodger Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 50	It is not required at all, and will likely help you to keep it cleaner by not having detrius collect in the substrate

09/27/2010, 01:18 PM	#10
aleonn Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 4,041	Lots of people do bare bottom nowadays, but I prefer a 1-1.5" sandbed. To me it looks more like a reef when there's sand.