An observation about sand and fine sand

[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.

[Tn23]

just tell everyone...... what Albert means is GO BARE BOTTOM!!!

[lastlight]

If it weren't for my wrasse I would (and had!).

[Masonjames]

I heard the leading ingredient in vaPOOrize is sand and/or fine sand. It makes the poo just magically disappear.

But shhhh. This powerful piece of knowledge is only aware to those in the aquaria trade.

[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

[kien]

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.

That's an interesting observation.

I am currently observing that my tank, with sand, currently does not have algae or cyan issues. However, this is just a preliminary observation so I will report back when my findings are more conclusive. :big grin:

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

Also, +1. Sand vs No Sand is in part, psychological. Some people see reef tanks as merely a box with a collection of saltwater organisms in it supported by powerbeads, plumbing, etc. However, some see their tanks as an as close an approximation of a reef biosystem as they can make it.

[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.

[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......