DSB vs bare bottom - Aquarium Advice

SCFatz · 07-16-2006, 10:31 PM

I realize that it's often one or the other...

Could someone explain the pros and cons of each however briefly?

Thanks,

austinsdad · 07-17-2006, 10:16 AM

All I can offer is that the bare bottom is more of a maintenance issue and it limits the kinda life/diversity (sand dwellers, sifters, cruisers, etc). Would probabaly have to have an agressive water flow inside the tank to keep stuff stirred up to reach the skimmer. They can be nice looking though, I just prefer the more natural look when I'm snorkelling or looking at my tank.

SCFatz · 07-19-2006, 03:05 PM

Leaning back towards sand....I think there is more upside then down after much reading and I agree it will probably look better.
Thanks

MT79 · 07-19-2006, 04:46 PM

IMO bare bottom is best for tanks that have refugiums and are dedicated to SPS corals. SPS corals prefer very low nutrient levels and generally show the most color when this is acheived. Softies and LPS corals will appreciate a sand bed and the nutrients it provides in the display. I think about 3" of sand is a good medium. HTH and good luck!

austinsdad · 07-20-2006, 08:12 AM

Heck of a good point.

07-16-2006, 10:31 PM	#1
SCFatz Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 814	DSB vs bare bottom I realize that it's often one or the other... Could someone explain the pros and cons of each however briefly? Thanks, __________________ Fatz 90g SW FOWLR 50g tall fw planted at .6wpg 29g fw planted at 1.2 wpg 10g fw planted at 3 wpg cf

07-19-2006, 03:05 PM	#3
SCFatz Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 814	Leaning back towards sand....I think there is more upside then down after much reading and I agree it will probably look better. Thanks __________________ Fatz 90g SW FOWLR 50g tall fw planted at .6wpg 29g fw planted at 1.2 wpg 10g fw planted at 3 wpg cf

07-19-2006, 04:46 PM	#4
MT79 Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: philadelphia. PA. Posts: 2,653 Images: 23	IMO bare bottom is best for tanks that have refugiums and are dedicated to SPS corals. SPS corals prefer very low nutrient levels and generally show the most color when this is acheived. Softies and LPS corals will appreciate a sand bed and the nutrients it provides in the display. I think about 3" of sand is a good medium. HTH and good luck! __________________ Mike

07-20-2006, 08:12 AM	#5
austinsdad Aquarium Advice Addict Community Mentor Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Clinton, Maryland Posts: 4,203 Images: 12	Heck of a good point. __________________ -Ray- "Life may not be the party we hoped for but while we are here we might as well dance!"

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

07-17-2006, 10:16 AM	#2
austinsdad Aquarium Advice Addict Community Mentor Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Clinton, Maryland Posts: 4,203 Images: 12	All I can offer is that the bare bottom is more of a maintenance issue and it limits the kinda life/diversity (sand dwellers, sifters, cruisers, etc). Would probabaly have to have an agressive water flow inside the tank to keep stuff stirred up to reach the skimmer. They can be nice looking though, I just prefer the more natural look when I'm snorkelling or looking at my tank.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
rock caves on bare bottom	sm0kin	Freshwater & Brackish - Getting Started	3	11-14-2006 02:39 PM
DSB Reef Convert to Bare Bottom??	xxnonamexx	Saltwater Reef Aquaria	6	05-25-2006 02:29 PM
Bare bottom tank question	runway1	Saltwater & Reef - Getting Started	12	08-01-2005 11:01 PM
Bare Bottom Tank???	Todd	Saltwater & Reef - Getting Started	16	04-18-2005 10:20 AM
Any bare bottom tanks out there? Got pics?	shellym	Saltwater & Reef - Archive	4	02-26-2004 05:50 PM