I had a 3" sand bed in my old tank.. i have algae problems because i wasnt getting all the deitris... my new tank is BB.. heres the difference with both. I personally think sand is for asthetics unless over 4".... Why go barebottom? 
 
Heres the difference "TIME" 
Its faster to do a water change and clean with a BB water change will probably take 5 mins to get all the deitris from the and tank floor if there is any. 
 
With sand its a crap shoot of 20 mins or more depending on much is in the sand floor and also being careful not to distrub the sand. 
 
Personally i dont think theres a benfit to any other than looks and maybe Bacteria growth. 
		
	
		
		
		
		
		
	
		
		
	
	
	 |