Sand or bare bottom?

[brittanyk]

I am just in the process of downsizing. Ive gone from a 90 gal to a 50. I prefer the size and plan to keep the tank pretty simple. Ive had a reef tank for 15 years, and worked at a few LFS when I was younger, BUT I need some outside advice!

I have a pair of black ice clowns that will go in it, I plan on having some coral - zoas, lps... perhaps one day sps. I would love a jawfish one day, as its my fave fish.. BUT that means sand... so I am a bit lost lol.

I am in a toss up between keeping it bare bottom, or adding sand. Ive always had sand, but now I am not sure. I prefer the idea of having it as clean as possible.... but what am I losing?

Bare bottom - tell me your thoughts ...
sand bed - tell me your thoughts, if and how often do you clean it?