Substrate.....or no substrate?

Rbacchiega · #1 09-23-2010, 04:18 PM

I've run everything from BB to DSB and everything in between. Frankly I think BB or super shallow sand bed are the way to go. Easy to clean and, as has already been said, will soon be covered in Coraline or zoas so you don't really need to worry. I've even seen one tank on RC that had pretty much a "lawn" of GSP.

The only reason I'm going with a super shallow sandbed in the 20 gallon is for looks...there won't be a goby, but will be some sand sifting snails.

Either way you go will determine how you're going to secure live rock for display.

Hope this helps!

xtreme · #2 09-23-2010, 04:26 PM

Cover the bottom with zoas, acans clams etc then you won't have to worry about seeing the glass. If you'd like to see an established BB tank you're more than welcome to come have a look...

marie · #3 09-23-2010, 04:32 PM

I'm of a different school of thought from just about everybody on this board

As far as I'm concerned detritus is your friend, it is a food source for many different filter feeders and corals so I have a 3" sand bed that is undisturbed (except when I lift a rock). I have been successful so far and my tank will be 5 yrs old in march

mark · #4 09-23-2010, 04:43 PM

take a look at the first couple of pictures in this thread for a GSP-bottom

sharky222 · #5 09-23-2010, 06:08 PM

Thanks, everyone, for your feedback....still haven't decided what to do, but I am less confused by all the options!

I am gathering from various posts that one reason to have sand is to keep the aquascaping secure. However, I have read that the rocks should go on BB rather than sand, since pockets can form between the two if the rock is place right on top of the sand. True? If I go BB, how do I keep my rocks from shifting?

Anyway, still debating....I like the thought of having sand-burrowing critters, so it will probably come down to that.

sharky222 · #6 09-23-2010, 06:09 PM

Xtreme, could you post a picture of your established BB tank?

StirCrazy · #7 09-23-2010, 09:39 PM

I'll put in another recomendation for very little sand or no sand. 9 years ago I went for the DSB craze and with in 4 years I had problems like you wouldn't believe, I took the sand out and all the problems went away.

I wouldn't use sand at all in a tank again, and Barbottom takes a while to get looking nice, but there are other ways like useing a natural stone tile on the bottom like Travertine, or marble, ect.. Travertine is composed of Calcium carbonate (limestone) so it pretty much the same make up as live rock, and corals can attach to it veary easy. one thing look for pouros Travertine not filled.

Steve

mark · #8 09-23-2010, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharky222

I am gathering from various posts that one reason to have sand is to keep the aquascaping secure. However, I have read that the rocks should go on BB rather than sand, since pockets can form between the two if the rock is place right on top of the sand. True? If I go BB, how do I keep my rocks from shifting?

My rocks directly on the glass and don't move.

If planning sand don't place the rocks directly on the sand as will settle and shift. What I did when I had a DSB was make platforms out of egg-crating and zip-ties so the bottom 3-4 inches of the rock wasn't buried.

MitchM · #9 09-24-2010, 02:18 AM

There is a reference library on this board that has a lot of good reading on the topics of sandbeds:

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=47

Have a read through it

When I was in Calgary, the first LFS I dealt with encouraged BB as well. I wonder if it's the same one?

I tried BB for a while, but have always enjoyed the added diversity of DSB's.

Mitch