Should i go BB

[djcool563]

Hello I am going to be getting a DIY skimmer from a fellow reefer in my club. I asked him if he feels that the skimmer would be able to handle a 55g mainly SPS tank if i went BB with it.He feels that it could. So i was wondering do you guys think i should go BB.If so what should i know about BB before i do it. I will have to take out the sand bed i already have in my tank but i dont thinkit will be a big deal. my tank specs are as follows

55g AGA
20g sump
mag 9 return (putting about 500 gph into the main tank)
will be getting the DIY skimmer
250w MH mounted in center of hood with 110w VHOs
2 maxijet 1200s for flow ( Will be getting another one soon)

Any help would be great guys.
Thanks
DJ

 

[samsfishnchips]

djcool563,

I would research it and decide for yourself, its not just taking sand out and call it a day ...

check The "How to go Barebottom thread."

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=650985&highlight=BB+and+thread

from experience,
- needs big skimmer ( hopefully its big and can skim wet nicely)
- plenty of flow (a mag return and a few maxijects will not cut it)
- siphoning the bottom (the idea is taking crap out fast)
- running socks keeps the sump cleaner (needs to be change of.)
- rocks should be raise (eggcrate works nicely with pvc stands)
- plenty of flow under rocks (you really don't want crap there)

and a few others, notes on (), good luck with whatever you decide

sam

 

[orangekush4]

I would get more power heads,i run 6 maxi 1200 on my 58 BB.The skimmer i have is ASM G2.The more flo you have the beter.

 

[djcool563]

Well the only reason i want to go BB if because i hear that is way better for SPS corals. I like the look of the DSB and i like the filration it provides but i also want to have healthy SPS.

 

[MiddletonMark]

More flow, make sure that skimmer is very oversized.

FWIW, in my 58g BB I run over 3000 gph, probably overkill to a degree - but I'd up your flow.

As for BB being `way better for SPS' ... check out www.cnidarianreef.com and tell me that's not one of the nicest looking SPS tanks you've seen. DSB and all ....

It's about the water quality, and IMO between Joe [linked above], SteveWeast [ssb, oregonreef.com] ... I think it's been well demonstrated that a number of methods can all yield absolutely stunning tanks.

Just opinion, good luck

 

[phenom5]

yup, i agree with what's been said above.

you need more flow for BB, i turn my BB over 50x/hr.

and there's no "magic bullet". BB's are great, but definately do some research, a poorly setup BB can be a disaster...just like any other tank i suppose.