OPINIONS WANTED!!!

[Frogger]

I think sand is the way to go. The only problem I have is: the high flow of the tank moves the sand around and you end up with pile in some places and bare bottom in others. Gravel would stay put but looks too course for my liking.

Sand encourages spaghetti worms and other beneficial organisms

[kien]

So the answer is: Yes, use sand, but don't use sand.

[Snappy]

Sand gives a much more natural look.

[Snappy]

Originally Posted by Frogger

I think sand is the way to go. The only problem I have is: the high flow of the tank moves the sand around and you end up with pile in some places and bare bottom in others. Gravel would stay put but looks too course for my liking.

Sand encourages spaghetti worms and other beneficial organisms

Use sand and add rubble to the problem flow areas.

[albert_dao]

Just start the tank BB for the first 2 months. Add a thin layer of sand afterwards. This is my standard startup routine for service accounts and installations. Works great.

[Cujo#31]

Thank You all. I will add an ingredient now that might swing the argument 180 degrees....my new display will be acrylic.....which most likely solidifies my decision to go BB with a ton of cover corals. BB would greatly reduce the potential for scratches me thinks, unless there are some acrylic veterans out there who may offer some pointers on keeping a sand bed in an acrylic tank.

[CHEAPREEF]

Originally Posted by Cujo#31

Thank You all. I will add an ingredient now that might swing the argument 180 degrees....my new display will be acrylic.....which most likely solidifies my decision to go BB with a ton of cover corals. BB would greatly reduce the potential for scratches me thinks, unless there are some acrylic veterans out there who may offer some pointers on keeping a sand bed in an acrylic tank.

So what was the final outcome on this? Be great to see which way you went and ultimately why.
I just finished setting up a new shallow tank on Sunday and Having the same issue. It's BB right now with painted back and bottom, looks pretty good just never had BB before. lol