BB is it really good.

[michika]

Aesthetically speaking I like BB in small tanks, its kind of like a minimalist look in a way. However, I think when I set up another large system I will go with a sandbed for looks more then anything.

[Aquattro]

Mike, it's a balance really. If you can control the NO3, and keep it in acceptable range, then changing the fish load/feeding might not be required. For me, corals were my primary concern, so I managed my tank to emphasize those. For people that prefer fish over coral coloration, then some NO3 is to be expected, and as long as it's manageable, it's not a large concern. And instead of flake I would switch to pellets, as those tend to end up in the fish more so than flakes (IME). If you feed any frozen foods, rinse well before feeding. If you can keep NO3 below ~20 ppm, I wouldn't worry too much. If you sit around 40+ppm, then maybe rethink what you're doing.

[mark]

I run BB, I'm happy with BB, and can't see going with sand but I do have to admit a maintained sand bed looks great, allows things I can't have and would make placement a little easier for things I do.

DSB, if required for NO3 reduction, can work in a display with a little effort. Believe though for the ease maintenance go RDSB and if want sand in the display for looks, go shallow sand bed.

[untamed]

I went with a compromise. There's a layer of sand covering all the viewable front/sides that varies from nearly nothing to 2" in some areas. MOST people would also view my sand to be dirty looking. I make few efforts to clean it and I believe that disrupts all the critters who are trying to make a living there.

The back (and other less visible areas) is completely BB. All the rockwork is also sitting directly on the bottom of the tank.

When I installed the small refugium, it has a DSB about 4" deep.

I didn't get my nitrate monitor until after the refugium was running, but I have no measureable nitrate in my tank. (I also have more algae than most people seem to want, so I can't conclude that my sand, refugium w/DSB are necessarily the cure)

[Moogled]

BB here, maintenance is much easier too.

Just popping out a suggestion here but if you have a patch of GSP, work with it so you cover the bottom of your tank like a carpet.

The effect is gorgeous and I'm currently trying to get mine to spread more.

[mark]

Originally Posted by Moogled

BB here, maintenance is much easier too.

Just popping out a suggestion here but if you have a patch of GSP, work with it so you cover the bottom of your tank like a carpet.

The effect is gorgeous and I'm currently trying to get mine to spread more.

reminds me of this thread

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by michika

However, I think when I set up another large system I will go with a sandbed for looks more then anything.

Agreed. While I think the sand will work against what I'm trying to do, my new tank will be more of a display than previous tanks, and for looks, I'm going to go with a 1/2" of sand, at least in the viewable areas.

[christyf5]

I totally attribute any success I've had in the hobby to the removal of my sandbed. While I do miss it at times (esp when I'm trying to reach the bottom of the tank with my hands) you can't beat BB for siphoning ease. The amount of detritus that builds up in a single week makes me shudder at what was getting mixed into my sandbed. No wonder I always had issues with my tank with sand.