Sand or no sand?

[hillbillyreefer]

Try searching sand beds. That should keep you busy reading for the next day or two. There are more opinions on sand than just about any other subject out there.

I tried to make my new 33gal reef tank bare bottom, that lasted about 2 weeks. My wife and I both hated the look. Added some caribsea white sand and we both like the look. The first things into the tank after LR were sand sifting critters. Mostly nassarius snails, and a strawberry conch. It's been white and clean for a couple months. In the morning there are tracks everywhere through the sand, the little guys are busy at night.

The pros and cons of each are factors you need to take into account. In the end you will decide based on which look you like the best.

If you can't decide, start out BB if you don't like that add some sand. As for how much I don't want to stat that debate. I started out with a level 2" bed, now with current patterns it varies from 1/2" to close to 4" in some places.

HTH a little. Good luck with your research.

[Brent F]

Yes, there have been some long discussions on this. What I got from it is deep sand beds are nt recommended because we can't get the livestock required by them here.

Bare bottom is easier to maintain but go shallow sandbed if you prefer the look and are willing to do a little more maintenance.

I have three tanks. One bare bottom and two very shallow substrate.

[Whatigot]

on that note, what exactly are the livestock we can't get that are required?
or did you mean only unavailable in alberta?