I have a bare bottom PSP tank and wondering if transitioning to deep sand would be beneficial in the long run? Also would like to understand if I introduce a deep sand bed will that have adverse impact on existing corals until the sand matures? Asked in other terms, do I have more to lose or gain by transitioning from bare bottom to deep sand?
Deep sand bed vs. Bare-bottom?
- Thread starter MarcoPolo
- Start date
dixiedog
New member
That's a highly advanced question on a hotly debated topic. Your answers will be all over the map. Best thing you can do is devote a month to studying the topic before making a move.
My opinion would be overpriced at two cents, but I'd stay barebottom. It can never result in sudden disaster.
My opinion would be overpriced at two cents, but I'd stay barebottom. It can never result in sudden disaster.
I've been studying the topic for quite some time, but did not find any exhaustive - science based - reading. If you can direct me to any good material you know about that would be most appreciated.
I was also wondering, how about devoting a section of the tank, say 1/3 to deep sand, the rest bare bottom. Anyone tried something like this with good results?
I was also wondering, how about devoting a section of the tank, say 1/3 to deep sand, the rest bare bottom. Anyone tried something like this with good results?
westreef
Lost as usual
Someone suggested to use removable sand pack, like a few gallon pail full of sand in the sump. This way if you decided to clean the sand you could take it out from the system and clean it with total isolation from your tank. Otherwise, IMHO and IME DSB in the display tank is a time bomb. By the way, this is also my overrated 2 cents.
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Depending on your fish and flow, the sand will spread out evenly eventually, IME, sooner or later.
Alex T.
Active member
I ran my tank barebottom for the first year. While it does make it easier to maintain the tank with detritus removal, I did have a few problems. As corals grew, it became apparent that one day I would not be able to fully clean the tank around the rock structure because of coral growth. I added a one inch sand bed and am very happy.
Also, in a barebottom system it is even more important to get the detritus out of the tank. I have 4 MP40's and an Iwaki 30 Return pump and still had spots where detritus would accumulate. I don't care how much flow you have, the bottom of a barebottom system will never look totally clean. Also, as your corals grow it becomes that much more difficult to reach all these spots.
As for deep sand beds, I feel it is a dated method that really isn't needed anymore. With the readily available use of carbon dosing, modern skimmers and phosphate adsorbents why would anyone ever risk a future problem if it can be avoided altogether?
Also, in a barebottom system it is even more important to get the detritus out of the tank. I have 4 MP40's and an Iwaki 30 Return pump and still had spots where detritus would accumulate. I don't care how much flow you have, the bottom of a barebottom system will never look totally clean. Also, as your corals grow it becomes that much more difficult to reach all these spots.
As for deep sand beds, I feel it is a dated method that really isn't needed anymore. With the readily available use of carbon dosing, modern skimmers and phosphate adsorbents why would anyone ever risk a future problem if it can be avoided altogether?
I agree a sand bed will "look" cleaner, but detritus will still accumulate, or is the assumption that there will be less detritus build-up due to the "live" sand? Also, do you need to syphon a deep sad bed or you are supposed to leave it "alone" leaving the critters to move around the sand?
bobbychullo
Super Abound
this may help you with your research if you havent read it already...
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1652103&highlight=deep+sand+bed
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1652103&highlight=deep+sand+bed
FishinFool805
New member
I agree with this comment 100%
Very few critters actually eat detritus. You basically have to have a fully functional DSB that converts nitrate to nitrogen gas. Poop on a BB is no different than poop in sand.
Dog boy Dave
New member
I agree with the comments. Either go with a low energy low nutrient tank or go with a high energy high nutrient tank. It is a different philosophy and you cant do it both ways. In addition to that, I have had issues with sand beds in my display tank long term. I find it hard to maintain a diverse population of animals in the display sand bed. Also if you run your sand in your main display deep enough to establish the different zones needed for an effective sand bed, you also have the risk of disturbing the zones and releasing chemicals into your display that are best left locked deep within the lo flo zones of your bed. Also understand that a remote sand bed 7 to 9 inches deep, managed and maintained full of animals is something very different than 2 or 3 inches of sand placed in your main display. In my experience, long term, in order to maintain and manage an effective sand bed you are best served segregating the sand in a remote location.
However, in my current system a remote sand bed has done very well for me long term. The bed pictured below has been established now for almost 8 years. This would be much harder to manage if it was part of my main display.
The bed is 7 inches thick. The tank pictured is 75 gallon. In this system, the sand bed is only part of the nutrient reduction system. The system is high energy, high nutrient. Algae will grow anywhere in the system but is maintained in the display by the grazing fish. This is an entirely different way of running a tank. It takes a long time to stabilize. There is no mechanical filteration and you must actively maintain your living filters. However, if you are willing to do your homework and make the comittment you are rewarded with an effective long term system that gets better with age.
There is no debate really. Both systems can work. I have seen tanks work long term both ways. I have also seen systems fail long term both ways. If managed correctly both methods can lead to long term sucess. If managed improperly both methods can fail and lead to corals failing to thrive.
However, in my current system a remote sand bed has done very well for me long term. The bed pictured below has been established now for almost 8 years. This would be much harder to manage if it was part of my main display.
The bed is 7 inches thick. The tank pictured is 75 gallon. In this system, the sand bed is only part of the nutrient reduction system. The system is high energy, high nutrient. Algae will grow anywhere in the system but is maintained in the display by the grazing fish. This is an entirely different way of running a tank. It takes a long time to stabilize. There is no mechanical filteration and you must actively maintain your living filters. However, if you are willing to do your homework and make the comittment you are rewarded with an effective long term system that gets better with age.
There is no debate really. Both systems can work. I have seen tanks work long term both ways. I have also seen systems fail long term both ways. If managed correctly both methods can lead to long term sucess. If managed improperly both methods can fail and lead to corals failing to thrive.
cham
New member
Actually in my bare bottom there is only my power heads. With 12,000 gph in my 120 I have to do little more than change my filter socks bi weekly.
agreed 100%
