When I set my tank up 10 months ago I used 3-4" of oolitic sand as was recommended by the honor students at the LFS. I also succumbed to the recommendation to not disturb the sandbed.
Even with 5-10% water changes per week, basting the live rock twice a week, heavy skimming, light feeding(most of the time), etc, I still had a bit of a problem with algae and cyano.
I'm currently in the process of vaccuuming out about 5% of my sand per water change.
You should see the nice brown clouds of detritus I've been sucking up. I plan on replacing all the fine stuff with about an inch of heavier grained sand or crushed coral and vacuuming during waterchanges. I'd prefer bare bottom for cleanliness but I'm with those who like the look of sand.
Whatever you decide, keep it clean.
Greg
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