Rebuilding, DSB/SSB or bare bottom?

[James983]

14 months after my 150 gal. reef tank leaked I have decided its time to rebuild. Previously I had a BSB and was OK with it. I think asthetically I have to have some sand, even if its just 1" or so. I will be keeping mostly SPS corals again and would just like to hear other opinions.

[James983]

BSB was supposed to be DSB. DUH

[James983]

no opinions?

[TrojanScott]

It's really your call. You'll get X number of BB people, and X number of DSB or SSB people. Pluses and minus to each, depending how you look at it.

I keep sand, it looks nicer, IMO. I also don't mind having critters that dig it. (Diamond gobies, nassarius snails, etc.) Of course, I've lost pieces over the years that have fallen into the sand, and I've had my share of sand storms. Still, I prefer it.

If I were doing an SPS tank exlusively, I may lean on bare bottom. But, I don't, so sand it is for me!

[chuckreef]

In my oppinion, the planned fish loading is the deciding factor. If you want a heavy fish load (a lot of feeding), lean towards little to no sand.

[jayk198030]

in display BB or SSB. in sump or refuge DSB. in my SPS tank no sand anywhere with little fish bio-load.

[Nereaga]

I have done all three now. I liked the dsb/ssb setups but now that I went toa bb setup, it is truely amazing at how much detrius accumulated in with the sand. With bb you can get the flow adjusted where all the detrius collects in one spot for easy removal. I will be bb from here on out. Once the coraline algae starts growing on the bottom glass it looks nice. I actually painted the bottom of the tank when I did the back.

Brad

[ChuckG]

SSB.. larger granuals 1-2mm, keep it stirred and clean..

Here is an idea I am considering to keep from getting buildup under the rocks.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=16463067&postcount=2