Hate to bring up a sore subject but...

[DevilBoy]

I am really really considering going BB. And i know in years past there was some heated discussions going on RC about DSBs vs BB. I do have a SSB in my tank now. I want to remove it and go BB. I know i will have to add some more flow. My flow now consists of 2 Tunze 6045s and 1 seio 820. Panworld 50px return pump rated at 590gph. How much more flow should i add?

After removing the sand in my DT, and after putting a DSB into my fuge will i lose any filtering abilities from the sand since it is in a remote location and not directly in my DT?

Will i have trouble keeping my trates down? Will i have any other imbalances with running BB ?

I think thats all the questions i have for now.

 

[TomRep]

With bare bottom, the sky is the limit in terms of flow. However much you'd like to add, as long as it doesn't hurt your corals. As far as a minimum, it is best to have enough flow to keep all the detrius in suspension. This way your skimmer can pull out all the bad before it can settle and cause PO4 or trates. As far as losing filtering abilities due to the RDSB, not sure, but I wouldn't think you would. Also, you should have no problems with Nitrates unless you massivly overfeed or do not perform water changes. Good luck!
tom

 

[JRaquatics]

Say it isn't so. I have been debating the same thing. The only thing that is keeping me back is my pair of orange spotted gobies and the wife.

 

[Nanook]

[moved]

 

[sk8rreefgeek]

I don't see why it should get heated. Just a personal preferance IMO.
Personally, I can't picture mine without sand. makes it more natural looking to me

 

[lowendmelody]

I did love my sand, but becasue I don't have the best filtering system, I had algae, and thought I don't really mind it being on the rocks, it would make the sand look very ugly in spots. I siphoned it all out and now I have to say, I love barebottom.

May consider goin back to sand down the road, but right now I love my BB....

 

[akaatomic]

My reef tank in bare bottom. It's great. I have an mjmod in the back of the tank blowing down and my returns point down. That way detrius only collects in two spots up front. I can siphon it or blow it around with a baster. The visible bottom is covered in coraline so it blends in. I don't notice it any more. I keep a RDSB as a backup to control nitrates and house cleaner clams. My tank is mostly rock, so the bottom isn't very visible anyway. I also have a FOWLR tank that's more open and that would look terrible if I made it BB due to the fact that more of the bottom is visible. Again, aesthetic are personal preference.

 

[SeanT]

Re: Hate to bring up a sore subject but...

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12503973#post12503973 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DevilBoy
How much more flow should i add?

It isn't just the flow it's how you use it.

If your return pump is adequately spread through your tank getting some flow to the corals all you need to do is lowere one or two of your powerheads so they blow the detritus over the overflows and in a nice corner for easy siphoning.

If you do decide to go this route I suggest "cooking" your rocks, but that's what I do.

If that isn't an option I highly suggest taking out as much rock as you can and give it a good dunking and swishing in saltwater.

Make up a lot of SW for a huge water change and siphon old tank water for the dunking.

Also, during the few months after you change I would encourage you to use filter socks as your rock will shed detritus...easier to catch.

hth,
Sean