Sand Beds

G

guitareefs

Premium Member
I know there has been alot of debate on sand beds. Either BB or DSB.

If I remember right, it's best not to have a "medium" sand bed, meaning 2-4 inches for a 100 gallon.

I am doing SPS, but don't want to do barebottom. I'm a little worried about rocks falling and glass breaking. And I don't want a deep sand bed either. What about doing a very, very thin layer of sand, such as 1" or so?
 
I've done it both ways Bare and sandbed. I just like the way the sand looks.

In my tanks I have always kept a shallow bed around 2-3 inches at best. Just enough to keep gobies happy.
 
My opinion and as you said it varies greatly.

I'm a big BB and DSB fan. If you don't want either one then do like an inch or under. If you get into that 2" range it can cause issues sooner rather then later. At least a DSB seems to harbor any issues for years and years.
 
What can I put on the bottom of the tank if doing BB? I think the ones doing BB have put something called starboard or something like that?

Where can I get a sheet?
 
It really depends on grain size but if you're using sugar fine (real small) then even 2.5 - 3 has been shown to be effective. If you are using "normal" size then you most likely need like 4.5-6 inches.

Rob Toonen did a presentation at MACNA a couple years ago with info on this. Generally the denitrification occurred at depths shallower then previously assumed but it was hugely dependant on grain size.

It was stated though that at 1.5-2 inches dentrification was insufficient and the potential to harbor hydrogen sulfide, etc existed so his advice was go deep or real shallow.

Total hearsay but it does seem that the deeper the sand bed the longer it tends to thrive. This old tank syndrome that some see after a few years seems to be helped with more depth. There is absolutely zero research or proof of that one though!
 
If you don't want a DSB or BB, just do 1-2" of sand. Then you can clean it by siphoning thru it during water changes with no ill effects. I like a sand bed look too, but I'm going BB on my 36g. A bed of zoo's will someday cover my glass bottom.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top