The bulk of the rock I removed wasnt getting flow. Therefore, it had a lot of detritus on it. I think removing it only helped me reduce the mass in my tank waiting to decompose and release phosphates, and eventually get to nitrates.
I will know in a few days, however, how the change worked out, by seeing how long it takes me to re-clean my glass
Also, dont feel compelled that every coral has to be on a piece of rock, or a bunch of rocks. Nothing wrong with having a SPS placed directly on the cutting board/starboard, or having it sit on a shallow piece of LR on the bottom.
With the old faux-sand boards I used before, I could use my oversized mag-flo to direct flow into the thin cracks on the edges. When I did this, I could consistantly cause a huge snow storm of detritus whipped up from between the cracks of the board.
It was epic what it would whip up. Now, there is NOTHING to whip up. I can see almost every square centimeter of bottom on this tank, and every corner. I am collecting MAYBE .5"^2 of snail poop in one section.. and sometimes the current shifts, and blasts that pile away. It's really been great.
I'll be testing my nitrates in the coming weeks to see where I stand.
I also debated going with no bottom at all, but felt that if I cut the board to the right size, and bevelled the edges, I wouldnt re-experience the issues of trapped detritus, and I'd gain two things; temporary whiteness causing lots of reflected light for the bottom part of my corals, and some protection for the glass (though its probably not needed).
Also, I do have my longspine urchin currently sitting in the sump, and am debating whether to return him to the store now, or wait. There isnt much for him to munch on now, and I dont want him to go after my corals, but at the same time, he can really help me keep that bottom sparkling.
