Bare bottom orrrr DSB?

[lolgranny]

So im setting up my tank THIS Saturday.... thank god. Its been tooooo long and i miss the hobby. Not to mention staring at all YOUR tanks makes me miss it even more! ahh

So ive always had a sand bed in mine. About 4inches of sand and i was going to go with sand yet again, but im having second thoughts.

Tank- 40g / 30g sump/fuge / Skimmer rated at 140g with a heavy load. Have a 150w Halide+ 2-65w / Mag 9 / 2-Koralia#2's /

I plan on keeping all SPS, mainly Acros.

Ill also have about 60lbs of LR in the system.

Any imput i DO appreciate it ALOT.
Thanks guys, youve all been really helpful on here

 

[Coral Addict]

BB all the way

 

[SeanT]

I prefer BB because I like the ability to control the water chemistry through my actions.
However, this methodology is not for everyone.

 

[lolgranny]

I was thinking BB as well, i dont care for the LOOK aspect of things ATM. Once i have a 300g + then things will be a bit different.

 

[goreefers]

+1

bb all the way

 

[dieselgrk]

both! BB with a RDSB.....

 

[lolgranny]

RDSB? Really deep sand bed?

At first i was thinking of going with 5inches of sand, but im minimizing my space... espically in a 40g. Then i was looking / reading around and it seems EVERYYYONNNE is saying BB

Would i need a Kalk / CA reactor or need anything different if i went with a BB?

 

[SeanT]

RDSB = remote deep sand bed.
Eg. A DSB not in your display but plumbed into your system, such as a refugium with a DSB.

hth,
Sean

 

[SeanT]

If you planning on keeping SPS then you will need a way to supplement Ca/Alk for the health of your corals.
Whether it be through a calcium reactor, kalk in your top off, balling method, manual dosing, water changes etc.

 

[lolgranny]

If you planning on keeping SPS then you will need a way to supplement Ca/Alk for the health of your corals.
Whether it be through a calcium reactor, kalk in your top off, balling method, manual dosing, water changes etc.

I was thinking of looking at a Calcium reactor / kalk reactor or top off.

 

[OrrG]

1-2" of CaribSea Special Grade. BB is ugly.

 

[klepto]

One of the biggest issues with a sandbed is initially bringing in enough live sand. Not just 'bacteria in a bag' sand, I'm talking about sand from a stable (and pest free) system with all of the detritivores and other microfauna. These animals will keep the sandbed functional and looking good.

Ron's articles on sandbeds are very helpful.
http://www.ronshimek.com/deep_sand_beds.html

Balancing flow with a DSB is tricky. Keeping a DSB in display and also planning to keep flow at an optimal intensity for SPS is no easy task. DSB users also have to change a percentage of the sand (roughly 10% if i remember correctly) every year to prevent a buildup of detritus.

With a tank that size, and with SPS on your stocking list, I would go BB or only an inch or two.

 

[DankReefer]

I say go thin sand bed, i just love the look of a crisp white bed of sand. I started bare bottom but went tsb for aesthetics.

 

[chem-e]

Add a DSB to your 30g sump/fuge. That's what I did.

 

[dmyers557]

I say DSB!!! Bare bottom means more dosing I believe.

 

[lolgranny]

I say DSB!!! Bare bottom means more dosing I believe.

is this true?

 

[lolgranny]

One of the biggest issues with a sandbed is initially bringing in enough live sand. Not just 'bacteria in a bag' sand, I'm talking about sand from a stable (and pest free) system with all of the detritivores and other microfauna. These animals will keep the sandbed functional and looking good.

Ron's articles on sandbeds are very helpful.
http://www.ronshimek.com/deep_sand_beds.html

Balancing flow with a DSB is tricky. Keeping a DSB in display and also planning to keep flow at an optimal intensity for SPS is no easy task. DSB users also have to change a percentage of the sand (roughly 10% if i remember correctly) every year to prevent a buildup of detritus.

With a tank that size, and with SPS on your stocking list, I would go BB or only an inch or two.

i will read that thank you, i was wondering if a thin amount. Thanks for the insight sir

 

[ziyaadb]

I say DSB!!! Bare bottom means more dosing I believe.

Hi i am interested in why you say that?

 

[Thairun]

both! BB with a RDSB.....

Same here.

 

[elias123]

im loving this read! coz iv been thinking of this a lot as well.... i understand were everyone is coming from, i myself have put a dsb but i havnt got any stock yet. i say u plumb it in! heaps easier and reliable, if you chose to have one at all that is. im thinking bout cutting mine to thin layer?? i duno im only fighting myself over the hole issue hahaha