Sand or not that's the question?

[awcurl]

I've been running my system bare bottom for years and am thinking of going with a deep sand-bed this time around. I know, there is a lot written about the problems with going deep rather than shallow but I would like to know your opinions and experiences.:bum:

 

[Runner]

I ran one for two years, then broke down my tank, moved, and set up another with a DSB in the sump -- again for only about 3 years. Most of the "break-down" problems I've heard of come after 3 years, so I can't really speak to that point, but I believe I had a lot more small life in my tank then than I do now with about 1/2" of crushed coral.

And I won't add anything to that because it isn't personal experience -- I would just be summarizing what I read on RC and from Dr. Ron a few years ago.

 

[cee]

I used to be a strong believer in bare bottom tanks for keeping vivid color SPS. That was until my recent trip to LA where I saw many tanks with incredible colors and shallow SBs. Now I've got sand as well, but not deep, and it is only where there is no rock covering the bottom. Sorry, that's not much help to sway you one way or the other.

I actually debating using your epoxy resin w/ sand trick when I set up this most recent tank. Unfortunately, by the time everything was ready I didn't feel like fooling with the epoxy resin. Good luck, I'm sure you'll be successful either way.

Dave

 

[macclellan]

I'd never do BB. Personally, I like the look of shallow sand in the display. I'll try a DSB/refugium when I set up a sump for the new tank.

 

[fishdoc11]

I will probably never use sand again BB is just much easier to maintain IME than a shallow sandbed and I haven't had good luck with deeper sandbeds as far as nutrient buildup etc...over time. That being said BB, SSB or DSB will work...it's just a personal preference.

 

[EvilMel]

I love sand. I will always love sand.

I can't speak to whether DSB are beneficial or not because it's been years since I've heard anyone talk about really using one.

BUT Art, since your tank is only 2' tall...how deep are you talking?!?

 

[awcurl]

Thanks everyone for the comments. Since my tank is shallow, I was thinkings of a shallow SB in the display tank and DSB in the 100 gallon sump. That way I don't lose any depth and if it gives problems I can easily remove it.

 

[tangboy]

Since my wife doesn't want me to get rid of my tank, I'm thinking about starting it up again.

I will drill it this time but I do not think I will do a SSB this time around, I would love, just LOVE to have some EvilMel's or some other Zoa just carpet the bottom of a BB tank!

That is what I will attempt if I set my tank up again!

 

[orthokardia]

greetings from MTRC

I currently run a RDSB in the sump and a shollow, <1", sand bed in the display. I am setting up a new tank and wanting to go bare bottom (in the tank) as i am tired of blowing the sand out of my caps (thx tomato clown). I am very interested in how you did the sand/epoxy trick.

-bart

 

[tangboy]

My tank is BB and it's keeping everything very simple! I haven't ever thought of doing "glue on sand", is that what you mean by the sand/epoxy trick?