An observation about sand and fine sand

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Masonjames

Well I guess we can disregard alberts obsevations.

Silly Albert. Didn't you know you can have a sandbed and be algae free.

I'd say he's pretty accurate If you have a problem, removing the sand would help a lot!

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

We went bare bottom for several months when we set up a 210g and HATED it. Eventually both my wife and I agreed that having a sand bed was the only way we would enjoy that setup. It was the only time we experimented with BB. Have been doing sandbeds in my tanks for the last 12 years and loving it.

Sorry Albert. Its not as simple, IME, as just No sand = No algae. Algae issues are generally from several different causes, as others like Daniel have mentioned: a lack of maintenance, overfeeding, too many fish, old light bulbs, no tangs, etc.

Yes, if one has an algae issue, removing sandbed is probably a good idea based on your experiences and observations.

But as Daniel and others have also proven, sand beds do not automatically = algae issues in one's tank.

Besides, I love my leopard wrasse collection far too much to deprive them of their sand.

[Masonjames]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

I'd say he's pretty accurate If you have a problem, removing the sand would help a lot!

Interesting. Seems then like alberts observations could prove profitable for some.

Curious then as to why this potentially valuable information is being derailed.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Masonjames

Interesting. Seems then like alberts observations could prove profitable for some.

Curious then as to why this potentially valuable information is being derailed.

Well, as it's been stated, sand does not equal algae. But the other contributors could be bound in the sand, and removing it could help. Or replace it with new, clean sand. But I've almost always had sand and never had algae issues, even feeding very heavy. It's all tank/owner dependent, and for some, it could help an existing problem, or prevent a problem that the hobbyist wouldn't otherwise manage properly.
As with everything, it's A way, not THE way.