An observation about sand and fine sand

[canadianbudz604]

I definatly do like the look with sand, but my new tank is bare bottom. Definatly easier to maintain. Kinda hoping my zoas cover the bottom glass. The bare bottom look is growing on me

[sumpfinfishe]

+1
A live sand bed is much more natural looking, provides a home for many critters that clean and scavenge there. In 15 years of reefing I have never had an issue with having a sand bed or algae for that matter. Over feeding and under maintenance are the biggest reasons why algae arise.

[Carrera75]

Originally Posted by sumpfinfishe

+1
A live sand bed is much more natural looking, provides a home for many critters that clean and scavenge there. In 15 years off reefing I have never had an issue with having a sand bed or algae for that matter. Over feeding and under maintenance are the biggest reasons why algae arise.

I totally agree with you. Some people have way too many fish, over feed and don't do the required maintenance. I highly doubt that sand alone is the problem......

[Aquattro]

I have done both, and BB is easier. But, I didn't enjoy the look and have gone back to sand. No algae issues.

[sumpfinfishe]

Not to mention the contrast of a white sand bed and and eye popping colorful corals like in the images posted above/below wouldn't be possible Beautiful!

[Pike]

Originally Posted by sumpfinfishe

Not to mention the contrast of a white sand bed and and eye popping colorful corals like in the images posted above/below wouldn't be possible Beautiful!

Yes very nice . And wow thats alot of rock flower anemone !!!

[Madreefer]

Originally Posted by Pike

Never. Bare bottom tanks look ugly and unnatural. I like to feel like im looking at the bottom of the ocean when admiring my tank. I'l deal with the algae so I dont get lazy and keep up good maintenance

I totally agree. Even if covered with coraline or zoas, it just doesn't look natural.

[Carrera75]

Originally Posted by albert_dao

So in the past year, I've told several dozen people who were having issues with algae and cyano to get rid of their sand. Their problems went away.

That is all.

I totally dislike the bare bottom look. I have always used fine sand in my set ups and I have never had algae problems. Oh, and my set ups have always been skimmerless and sumpless feeding frozen food couple times a day. Water changes were done every couple of months or longer. Finally, Metal halide and T5 bulbs were changed every few years and when they got replaced I didn't really notice any difference in my corals...I guess am the exception ........different things work for different people.

Here is a picture of my previous set up that ran pretty successfully for many years.

[lockrookie]

Maybe they are having sand issues cause they peed in the tank to start the cycle..

[navbc]

Look nice
Setting up new 180 gal tank nothing in it accept base rock hoping for some suggestion
Of what type of coral and fish to begin with want to eventually have different color and assortment of soft and hard coral