I hope you have an hour or so...the thread started in August of 2003 and is now 149 pages...thats alot of next buttons.Originally Posted by GaryP
I read most of it and it makes sense to me for the most, part but you must have a low bio load to pull it off IMO.
The basic theory is to go bare bottom with vigorous flow in the display to keep organics/detritus in suspension until it reaches the sump, which is low flow, where it can settle and either be picked up by the skimmer of syphoned out manually.
I personally like the look of sand beds and I think fish and other livestock prefer it but I can't get a strait answer from them. I do want to say this though...I do not like the looks or smell of a DSB that is just left alone without any sandsifting critters to keep it from getting funky like Dr. Ron from R.C. says to do.
In my tank, I keep the sand bed stirred up and it stays clean.
