Sand or No Sand Bottom

[rolodex1]

Ok, I'm starting a 180g reef tank and was wonder if I should go bare bottom. I have a 55g f/o and a 46g bow front reef and both have fiji live sand. What I have noticed is that after about a year and a half the sand become dirty. I have the python vaccum but it doesn't seem to work that well and sucks up alot of sand. I was hoping to use a bare bottom or maybe lining the 180g with "starboard" to provide some sort of base for the live rocks. This would also make for a cleaner tank, right? I look forward to much advise.........

Thanks,
Shawn

[corals b 4 bills]

Welcome to Reef Central!

[Cody Ray]

It is easier to keep a barebottom tank clean however IMO people spend too much time trying to "clean" tanks. I personally like sand and the only reason I would not use sand is if I was going to have a TON of flow.

[lvpd186]

Wow, first post and you bring up one of the big debates :lol:. Welcome to RC! I agree with crrichey, it seems that the main benefits of a BB tank is the ability for a lot of water flow and the "relative" ease of cleaning up detris, probably the main reasons that people with sps dominant tanks have bb. IMO I think having a substrate looks more natural though. Plus I think there are other benefits to having a substrate. Good luck with the 180, when you get it all set up you should post some pics.

[rolodex1]

Thanks to all you have responded! Alot of great views... I still don't know which way I'm going to go....

[omni2226]

Dont let Omni see this thread!!!!!

[frederickk]

What do you intend to keep in there?