trying out cryptic zone

[kimboslice]

so im going to use a brute 44 gallon trash can, i also want to use eggcrate but my question is should the bottom have nothing? then prop up some eggcrate and put rocks on it? or should the bottom have sand or live rock then prop up the eggcrate and then more live rock??

 

[michaeldaly]

I'd put some live sand on the bottom.

 

[dendro982]

Depends on bioload and filtration before the cryptic zone, IMHE. Steve Tyree used the fine mesh bags to keep the large particles out. They may settle on the sand, and, if too much, overload the sand bed capacity to process nutrients. His article (uk)
I had to remove sand beds from my high bioload tanks - it was 60% sand, 40% organic debris

More details are in Duplex sump thread.
Just a thought.