adding sand or BB

[jbittner]

Well it's time to ditch the crushed coral substrate I'm using. I will choose between Bare bottom and a little sand (just enough to give some color to the bottom). I wondered if there is an easier way to add the sand to an established tank or should I just go bare. I don't really like the look of the bare bottom but the CC is becoming a pain.
Suggestions please!!!!

Thanks

 

[Urabggr]

Well it depends on what kind of corals you want to keep, but I just switched over to BB from a SSB two days ago and I love it. I would definitely advise you to go with a starboard bottom. Looks nicer than my sand ever did and doesn't have any of those nasty nutrient-catching habbits. While its not as natural looking as the sand, you really don't notice the lack of sand that much.

 

[jbittner]

It would be on my 55 that has been setup for 8 yrs. If I went BB it would be just the tempered glass bottom. I was hoping not to have to tear down my system. I would just take it out like a water change.

 

[King-Kong]

I love BB and believe it, however, do not go BB if you are not able to accomplish strong flow (50x++) and extremely strong skimming. Otherwise, I do not think you will be exploiting the true benefits of it.

 

[MCary]

I have a BB tank and I like it. But if you don't like the look, I wouldn't do it. Get some nice arogonite. You can reduce sand storms by giving it a little rinse and pouring it down some PVC pipe so it doesn't fall through the water.

Mike

 

[boilermaker1]

My new tank was set up as BB. Its working so far although I think I need more flow.l The bottom corallines over so fast that you won't really notice its bare for long.... you just end up with a purple bottom as if you're on a rock shelf.
My last tank was sand and it made such a mess that I couldn't go through with it again.

 

[jbittner]

I have a 55 with 2 seio 820 and a mag 9 return--so about a 45x turnover (never thought about it but thats alot for a softie tank) I have an amiricle venturi skimmer (not the best but I have a very light bio load).
Here is my skimmer
http://www.tplastech.com/amiracle/proteinskimmers_miniquad.htm

 

[jbittner]

bump

 

[kimbertent]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8011106#post8011106 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MCary
I have a BB tank and I like it. But if you don't like the look, I wouldn't do it. Get some nice arogonite. You can reduce sand storms by giving it a little rinse and pouring it down some PVC pipe so it doesn't fall through the water.

Mike

GOOD idea!! I too am switching from cc to live sand and have been debating how i am going to do it with the fish in there. i will def. try it that way!