DSB Reef Convert to Bare Bottom??

[xxnonamexx]

Here are pics of my tank http://flickr.com/photos/59422509@N00/ I have had this for a while now just wondering if a barebottom is better. I read alot of articles on this subject most are pointing towards my setup. I am just curious about other people who have a bare bottom and experiences.

 

[angelscrx]

Personally I like sand on the bottom. BB are easier to clean but Sand is more natural looking and so many critters thrive in it.

 

[ckmn101]

IMO that tank looks too good to change it to bare bottom!

 

[austinsdad]

Bare bottom looks more dirty to me. Sand sifting snails aor small fish do a much better job of making sand look better tah anything can do with a bare bottom. Now, if you wanna do the work, I'm sure it'll look very good.

How are your nitrates? If for instance you are used to'm at about 20, then I'd at least consider doing sand as opposed to crushed coral - but not bare IMO.

Having any particular issues with the bottom you have now?

 

[revhtree]

I like the look of the sand bed better. Many people will argue from both sides, one being that the dsb will eventually crash or that the BB is only a fad. Either way, I find it more of a preference issue.

Do you like the look of sand better or the BB?

Would you rather siphon, or buy criters and still vaccum?

What proof is there to either side? (Not disputing any, just provoking thought)

Now what kind of substrate are you running now? By your pics it almost looks like crushed coral.

Also are you having any tank problems that would get you to thinking about a change?

 

[vsnsofadrgn]

jmo, but when i was cycling lr, it was bare bottom and staring at all of that stuff drove me nuts! when there is sand, the critters clean it up and if there is anything on the sand, its not as noticable. tank looks real dirty when it has a bare bottom and youd have to syphon everyday to keep it clean.. but i think its all about perference.... just my .02...

 

[abnmojo]

I found a place where they get all into the DSB and plenum arguments:


http://www.saltcorner.com/sections/guest/gamble/newconcept.htm
http://www.saltcorner.com/sections/guest/meek/Plenum System.pdf

http://www.saltcorner.com/sections/guest/goemansandgamble/sandbedspart1.htm
http://www.saltcorner.com/sections/guest/goemansandgamble/sandbedspart2.htm

From what they are talking about, and these guys are experts, they don't even know WHY it works exactly, just that it does work. I would recomend reading to anyone interested in Deep sand beds or plenums to read, as the only difference between each is a plenum has a small open space of water at the bottom of the sand bed.

I am going to convert my tank into DSB as soon as I get my hands on some tropical play sand. If it takes too much longer to find, I may have built myself a plenum as well.....


David