Bare bottom reef(starboard) No sand bed

[Tim Marvin]

It works fine, but I don't like the bare bottom look. A very thin layer of crushed coral or sand is the way I like it, although I have one tank with a DSB and it is working well.

[Instar]

I've seen a bare bottom reef. Its not bad once there are zoos and things completely covering it. I still like the white sand bottom, especially with sps corals for light reflection back up from the bottom as well as some contrast spots. Its also home for many things including nassarius snails, worms and many wrasses. Other than that part, the bare bottom covered with life is real nice. Bare glass looks sterile and very unnatural otherwise. And it won't stay that way cause coraline will cover or grow in spots all over it eventually anyway. Without sand you will also be limited with some fish that sift the bottom and thrive off the sand so you'll have to be much more particular of what you put into the tank. Scooter blennies of all kinds are an example of fish that bury themselves in the sand at night. Without the proper environment, fish like that are cursed to a short and miserable life.