DSB, SSB or BB Experiences

[marie]

I decided to go with a shallow sand bed years ago because I really didn't like the look of 6" of sand pressing on the glass.

I don't like my bottom being bare either and I've always been fascinated by the little critters in the tank (pods, worms and such) so I've always had some sand in my tanks and I've never regreted it

[mark]

Had a 75g FOWLR for 3+ years with a DSB and basically was trouble free. I did have little blooms of cyno but got that sorted out with flow and I believe using ro/di. Nitrates always zero and liked the look even the DSB from the side.

When I set up the new tank wanted sand again but wasn't prepared to fork over the cash for a DSB in 145g, worried about sandstorms with about 4600gph plus the wife wanted to try the look of BB (probably more the deciding factor). Thought okay, for nitrate control would either go DSB in the sump or run a remote in a separte vessel if they start to rise but still zero after being up 6+ months so never did.

I've been considering a SSB with large grains. My tank has coralline over most of the bottom plate but still want a sand bed specially when I see someone elses tank with sand. Probably a little less envious each time though so why I haven't done SSB yet.

Alway wondered about how coralline would look on a faux sand bed as nothing would stop it from growing.