SAND OR NO SAND
 

:question:I am up-grading to a 300 from my 210, the question I have is if I should put sand in the tank or not. It is going to be a full sps tank with a few clams. Filtration include biopellets, large skimmer and a small refugium, plus I will be dosing some zeo additive.

Personally, I don't like the look of a bare bottom tank. One thing to consider though is that you'll likely have lots of flow in an SPS tank, so don't pick a fine grain sand. Something a little bigger is better, otherwise your sand will blow around a lot... you likely already know that though!

That's the predicament I am faced with. I got 4x6105 and a wavebox. Some times when the pump gets bumped by a fish and it will start a sand storm. I think I am gonna go with a bare-bottom for starters and if I don;'t like the look of it I'll just add a bit of sand.

I have 2 6105s in a 160... with 2 waveboxes... theres a little sand blowing, but for the most part, you just need to aim the 6105s... should be good from there.

Probably a lot easier than the other way around.

HAHA 10-4 on that :mrgreen:

I also don't personally like the look of a bare bottom. 1-2 inches is nice.

Does any one think that fine sand particles can cause a sand blasting effect on the sps coral, or am I just crazy? I get way better PE when I turn down the flow on my pumps and the water has less particulates. just curious if anyone has experience that before?

I use fine sand, and have 2 MP40W powerheads, also until recentlay had 2 #4 Koralias wavemakers going as well. Never had any issue with sand. But again my tank height is 27inches.

Yes I've experienced this myself. One reason I put my filter socks back on.