How deep is your Sand Bed? Poll

[Fish]

Originally Posted by bulletsworld

IMO, I think we forget where most of these creatures come from....the ocean! They are wild caught and held captive as we play gods. The least we could do is put our selfish feelings (esthetics) a side and simulate (ocean) their known environment the best we can.

I couldn't agree with you more... and that is why I went barebottom. I don't want to start a debate as to which is better because it is obviously a personal choice; however, I do want to clarify my reasons for doing what I do. I personally like the look of sand better - everyone does. However, I realized that the sand in my 20gal tank does not really function like a "mini ocean floor".
When people say that BB is cleaner they don't mean Cleaner: Astetically less cluttered.
They mean Cleaner: Less place for phosphates, nitrates, and crapates to build up.
I think you raised a really good point too. If someone goes BB they need to select inhaditants that do not depend on the sandbed for food, or shelter etc. I've had awsome success with rbta (lives in rock crevice), scotts damsel (lives in water column) and brittle star (didn't sift sand even when I had aragonite).

- Chad