Which is Better? DSB or BBottom

[edge78041]

I was wondering what is better deep sand bed (or sand bed) versus barebottom. Also, what modifications would have to be done when setting up a barebottom. I have a 30 gallon aquarium that i have been dying to set up but due to $$$ constraints, i have not. I think that if I go barebottom I could save money and invest it in live rock or livestock.

Any information would help.

Also, want to add that this is an awesome website with ton's of information. Thanks to everyone out there that contributes.

[jaded]

there is much debate... do a search and you will find several recent threads that will explain a lot

[GaryP]

IMO a bare bottom is more expensive because of the greater maintenance and equipment requirements for a bare bottom. Check with Joshua on that.

[jaded]

I like my sandbed... maybe its not as clean looking and might not even be the best for the tank, but I really like the life that can be found there

JM2¢

[JimD]

Personaly, on a tank that size, Id go bare bottom. Also depends on what you intend to keep in it..

[TexasTodd]

There is not an answer to your question.

Both are good. The key is doing the upkeep work.

The only reason I see going BB is if you are going to focus 90% or more on SPS corals. Any other plans are fine with a sand bed. It's the sps corals that can have problems down the road several years in SOME tanks with sand beds.

I like the BB with my sps tank mostly because I can see anything that needs to be cleaned. Plus my flow is such it would probably really screw up a sand bed. Again, the flow is for the sps corals only at the rates I have running.

Do what you like or want to learn about!

TT

[CD]

I would agree - both are good. Personally, in a tank that size I would go bare bottom mainly due to the amount of useable space that a DSB will take up in a tank that size. Ultimately, it's up to you though. Which do you like the looks of better? Are you going to want to keep fish or inverts in that tank (along with the corals) that need a sand bed to be happy (burrowing critters)? What type of corals were you planning on keeping...SPS? LPS? Softies? Combination?

W. :)

[brewercm]

Neither, I like a nice 1 to 2 inch bed if using sand more for looks.

[::pete::]

Neither, I like a nice 1 to 2 inch bed if using sand more for looks.

Exactly its natural looking and as with anything you need to do maintenance. So the sand may need to be diversified by adding and removing alot like you do with water changes. It doesnt have to be done as frequent, but dont just let it be stagnant!!

[jaded]

I think this is still on topic... I recently got a diamond goby that is sifting the sand faster than a blonde forgets what she was saying. Is this enough to keep the sandbed from getting "stagnant". I've never done anything to my sandbed at all... I just leave it sitting there and allow the critters to do the work.

Hope this is still on topic enough to help edge78041

[::pete::]

Its not just the sitting there that I was referring to. How many critters are in it? No one really knows. So periodically add more making sure the sand is not dead. On RC a guy from NC does the nation wide sand bed trade maybe we could do it here. Give a cup it goes to a tank and sits for a month or so and then you get a cup back. All our critters mixed is better than the critter you have ..

[NaCl_H2O]

Ahhhhh, I love a good MAASTard debate :D

I personally like the DSB with sifting criters as Jaded suggested. But, on a 30g the BB may be a better approach. I would sugest you go with fairly large pieces of LR (not rubble) so that you can get to the bottom glass surface to siphon out the junk.

[brewercm]

From what I've read on the subject, a DSB would not really function the way it's supposed to for a true DSB on that size of a tank. I've just never really seen that whole thing explained out that well either as to why not.

[J_G]

I use to run a BB and personally in my opinion the tank always looked "dirty". "Stuff" always collected on the bottom and it always looked like I needed to clean it (even after I cleaned it). I wouldnt run a BB with the experience I had. You might consider putting at least large crushed coral down to lightly cover the glass. Maybe one inch or so. In the end its up to you how you want to view your new environment.