Sand Beds - please clarify!

[Ceak]

I am aware that substrates collect detritus and therefore can pose a threat in the long run but I still prefer the look of sand than bare bottom...

If I were to go with substrate, would I be better off with a small amount (2-3 inches) or with a DSB (4-6 inches)?

My tank will be 30" high so the loss of space doesn't really bother me that much, I am more concerned about the long-term negative effects of having substrate...

How long can you safely keep a DSB before it starts to go bad?? I got myself an H&S skimmer and plan on having plenty of bottom feeders in my tank...

thanks guys!

 

[Dubbin1]

I would go with the shallow sand bed for a couple reasons. IMO DSB's look like total crap after a few months also it is much easier to keep a SSB clean since you don't want to be stirring up a DSB.

 

[rustybucket145]

You have to research and decide for yourself. Many people have had long term success with both types. You have to decide on your own. There will probably be some posts here saying that one way or the other is the ONLY way to go. But the truth is that long term success has been had with both methods. I prefer DSB. As far as keeping it clean, If you have the right selection of 'Clean Up Crew' you will never have to touch your sand bed and it will look Beautiful. Here is a pic of mine. over 7 years and never vaccumed.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both methods. With DSB you get Nitrate control, with SSB you get more tank room. The list goes on.. and on... and on... I personally prefer DSB b/c that is what I have always had success with.

 

[aural]

i like a shallow sand bed no more than 2". gives enough to sink rock down into it and to give gobies a place to dig.

 

[Ceak]

yeah I figured I would get different opinions...

I was leaning towards 2-3 inches, but I dont want to ahve to syphon anything.... which bottom feeders should I get in order to keep it clean?

rustybucket is is that crushed shells or rock rubble on top of your bed?

 

[jarhed]

Ceak,

I have many hermits, snails, a sand sifter star, and a diamond Goby that keep my sandbed nice and white. I vacuumed it four months ago and havent touched it since. My bed is about 2" at it's deepest point.

 

[Ceak]

cool jarhead, thanks for the info!

 

[Thorium]

The best advice anyone can give you is to continue doing your research on reef central. Once you feel you have a solid feel on BB DSB and SSB do more research and decide which will best work for the amount of time you can dedicate to your tank. Also, make sure you like how it looks, BB, DSB, SSB might be a good method, but do you like how it looks. I had a DSB, I did not properly maintain it and after about 18 months my tank crahed, I was able to catch the crash and essentialy start a 17 hour marathon to save the tank, I did not lose a single inhabitant. So I went to SSB about an inch of sand, I did not like the look of BB. I use a tiger tail cuc and decorated goby to clean the sand and they do an great job. I dont vacuum the bed. Good luck with whatever you pick.