BBT vs Sand

[AquaMan03]

Looking to change my 60gallon SPS tank to a Bare Bottom Tank but not sure if I should or not. What are the advantages to having no sand bed in the reef tank?

 

[five.five-six]

I just do not like the look of bbt

 

[AquaMan03]

five.five-six The problem im having is my tank is only 12 inches deep so the water movement is making a lot of sand piles all over the place witch is showing bare spots every where.

 

[jman77]

BBT with RSB

 

[rutz81]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10744342#post10744342 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jman77
BBT with RSB

I started with BB, then went to DSB. I loved being able to raise my flow as much as I wanted with BB, but, I also really like the benefits of a DSB. My next tank will defintely be BB, with a big RDSB. IMO, best of both worlds...

 

[mpoletti]

I have a ssb and a RDSB. I have 75x turnover in my tank, but it is 24" deep. I had to add larger grain sand in the blown areas. HTH

 

[JamesJR]

Man I love BB. If you can put starfire on the bottom it gives a nice look on the bottom like sand. Man, you can have just tremendous circulation. My tank is pretty heavily stocked with fish right now and the water quality is immaculate, clear and everything looks good.

 

[AquaMan03]

Thanks JamesJR... i think i will be taking the sand out this weekend

 

[kev apsley]

BB I've found that a SB can become a nutrient trap, although the look of a SB is more natural..I dunno I like the look of small LR rubble as well

 

[Nanook]

[moved]

 

[AndyB4784]

A properly maintained DSB will provide food for your corals and some of your fish and it looks better IMO.

 

[seastar12]

I think sand looks more natural, but I don't necessarily think one should have a DSB.

 

[graveyardworm]

Going BB in my next tank with a RDSB and seagrasses for nutrient uptake. I think each has its place in tank with corals which need a high energy environment to to do well then BB is the way to go. If your gonnahave primarily softies and dont need as much flow then I would go with DSB.

 

[maro1]

I have tried BBT, but never lasted. I always end up adding sand for the looks.

Maro1

 

[JamesJR]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10747502#post10747502 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by graveyardworm
Going BB in my next tank with a RDSB and seagrasses for nutrient uptake. I think each has its place in tank with corals which need a high energy environment to to do well then BB is the way to go. If your gonnahave primarily softies and dont need as much flow then I would go with DSB.

You really hit the nail on the head I think. Different strokes for some corals. I still am really partial to bare bottom though and I think it could even have a stronger following even among fish only tanks. I mean, you could replicate the high currents that the fish like, would be able to keep the detritus and partiulate matter to a minimum and keep things really clean. Really, either way works it is just a matter of personal preference. I just happen to like bare bottom better .

 

[AquaMan03]

JamesJR an when i take all the sand out this weekend i feel good now i can go an get a few more Maxi Jest 1200 for the tank. My tank is 24W- 48L -12H

 

[JamesJR]

Aquaman, Have you ever looked into Koralias, Tunzes or something like that? They give you way more bang for the buck.

 

[JamesJR]

Aquaman, Have you ever looked into Koralias, Tunzes or something like that? They give you way more bang for the buck. You would not be dissapointed.

Also, if you decide that you want to go bare bottomed, don't take all the sand out at once. Do it over a couple weeks or something and don't stir up the tank too much.

 

[Sports Girl]

I think BB's look amazing if they are done correctly. I have a SSB, but I am also contemplating BB on my next tank. I like the look of sand, but it can begin to look dirty after awhile, it can be a nutrient trap and I have scratched my acrylic tank a one too many times getting a grain of sand caught between my mag-float and tank...