Depth of sand bed

[Eddie79]

I was wondering if it would be bad to have a very thin sandbed (1/2 inch or less) in a 25 gallon cube. Is there a big benefit to having a deeper sandbed (1+ inch)?

 

[Reefmedic79]

Nothing wrong with an extremely shallow sandbed, other than the potential for the bottom of the tank to become exposed, due to flow or digging critters.

There are benefits to having a deeper sand bed as well, which includes additional denitrifying filtration due to the anaerobic zone that forms under the sand, though a minimum of 6 inches of sand is needed. There are pro's and con's of going either way.

Anything under 2in. is considered a shallow sand bed (SSB), anything 6 in. or deeper is considered a Deep sand bed (DSB). Anything between around 3-5 inches is considered a "no go zone" as there can be some detrimental side effects from having a sand bed within these depths.

 

[Saltydrip]

I have about 3/4-1" on my tank. It's just enough to keep the bottom covered.

 

[Cowdogz]

Less than 1" or more than 4". But, if you go the deep root, it should be .5-1.5mm grains.

 

[MARINECRITTERS]

Go with a shallow sanded, deep sand beds can cause future issues.

 

[Bat123]

I just set mine up with about 3 inches, should be ok

 

[Carpentersreef]

Thin is better. You are the one responsible for cleaning it.
- unless you properly set up and populate a DSB.
Whole other subject.

 

[Cyclist]

I've had my 38g set up with about 2". My new 65g will only have about 1.5". I prefer a thin sand bed.