Sand or NO sand

[jamesbump78063]

Ive been getting ready to setup another tank and I like the look with no sand but i was wondering if there is anything I should know before making my decision or any opions yall have?

Thanks

[txg8gxp]

I love my bare bottom tank, but going BB there are less things you can keep. Plus if you don't have a closed loop/wave maker you will have to clean the bottom once a week or more.

[justahobby]

i missed having my base rock snug and secure in the sand. Creating a structure would solve that though.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1807317&page=2
(http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1807317&page=2)

[kkiel02]

Ive always used sand from the stand point that sand = surface area and I want to maximize the surface area for bacteria, etc. I like the look of bare bottoms and would love a montipora(imagine superman or pokerstar that would look awesome) colored bottom but I like the idea of the functionality that sand includes.

[alton]

I like Jawfish and Gobies so substrate is a must for me. I use a course sand like Carib-Sea Special Reef Sand/Pulkany Rubble which is course enough not to blow around. Also with a white sand you get help on your lighting reflectance with the white bottom versus nothing. Once again like many other things in this hobby it comes down to personel preference?

[MIOR6485]

I would go BB. Its easy to siphon the dietris when using a 100 micron sock. Also, you have more surface area for corals to grow. With sand, your generaly confind to the rock work . The left side of my 200BB is covered by a 2' x 2' cabage leather. engineer gobies and jawfish love it. If you want to keep sifters, they do a good job in aggetating the dietris build ups if you get lazy. I have rainfords gobies and they are always sifting the dietris.
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