Bare Bottom Vs DSB

[fishnugget]

I have had a 4 inch sand bed. Now have extreme algae issues. Is the consensus that BB is more efficent and less prone to algae growth?

Is crushed arag a good alternative? BB looks so unnatural

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

There are lots of things you can do to reduce algae growth. I'd focus on nutrients, and not on the sand unless you fail in other ways.
How do you export nutrients now?
These articles may help:

Phosphorus: Algae’s Best Friend
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/sept2002/chem.htm

Nitrate in the Reef Aquarium
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/august2003/chem.htm

Iron Oxide Hydroxide (GFO) Phosphate Binders
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-11/rhf/index.htm