Barebottom 20g SPS tank?

snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
Hey all,
I was hoping ya'll could help me out with this...
I've never had a barebottom tank before, let alone a barebottom SPS reef tank, and I was wondering if someone would help me out with ideas for flow rates, powerhead positioning, and what else to look out for when doing a barebottom SPS tank, especially in such a small system. (20g high)
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
My inhabitants:
2 tomato clowns
1 bicolor blenny
1 cleaner shrimp
various algaes
a few SPS pieces
A couple shrooms
a couple other softies.
Just trying to get some additional information on everything before I switch my tank over from the stand it's on, to the new stand.
 
btldreef

btldreef

Moderator
I have no luck with bare bottoms. I can never keep the bottom quite as clean as I'd like. We tried a SPS setup in the 14G, and I felt like I was always siphoning the bottom of the tank.
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
Seth I don't think there's a real magic formula as far as setup. Way to many variables. With bare bottom systems doesn't mean there won't be stuff on the bottom, but it makes it easier to siphon it from the tank when it's settled. With that said flow will vary depending on rock setup and flow. The major key is to keep everything moving and to keep it suspended in the water column so it can be picked up by the overflow and removed from the system.
Id suggest doing some reading on how to properly setup or manage water flow. I have a link in my build thread and honestly most if not all of us put little to no thought into our returns and flow. We are trying to mimmick nature. Take a peak for the link it might interest you and help to a degree!!!!!
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
Ok Shawn, I'll check out your build thread when it comes to overflows and powerhead positioning - I've actually read some of it. But, I'll check it out again. I'm reading a lot on the Berlin Method right now as well. I guess if we are trying to mimic nature, buying an MP10 for such a small tank isn't really that far fetched.
I know barebottom tanks require strong flow rates, heavy protein skimming, and the occasional siphon, but is there anything else that I am overlooking?
 
1guydude

1guydude

Well-Known Member
Hey pps! I just moved one of my tanks to my new place and ended up taking the sand out the bottom. I like it more i think, sand gets so dirty and nasty....i just blow the bottom sometimes....i did get a bigger powerhead too!
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
Well, I've been doing a heck of a lot of research over on another forum, and most of the guys that run some really freakin' awesome SPS tanks run them with barebottoms. The reason is that you can have a heck of a lot more flow in the tank without the sand in the tank. I think, for the most part, the tank will also run more sterile. I think it's going to be best for an SPS tank.
I'm also thinking about changing up my rock work and the amount of rock that I curently have in my tank. I'm really diggin' the minimalist look of some of the SPS tanks out there.
Could someone help me out with a skimmer decision? I'm thinking of either getting an octopus brand skimmer for a 150g OR an ASM (All Seas Marine) rated for 150g. The cost of either isn't the deciding factor, but the quality and ability of it is. Can someone send some advice my way? Thanks.
 
1guydude

1guydude

Well-Known Member
if u put some zoos and or mushrooms on the bottom it dosent matter!
My slim card thing in my puter broke so i cant do any pics.... :(
Id show u....i like my tank now more... i got rid of one of the 250gph phs and added a 1300 one LOL!!!!!
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
Well, I was thinking about letting some SPS corals encrust on the bottom of the tank. I've also seen some favia growing over the bottom of the tank and thought that was pretty cool. I've also seen GSP and zoas encrusting on the bottom of the tank and thought that was pretty cool. It's just that I have had some very mixed reviews about mixing softies in an SPS dominated tank - so I was thinking about staying away from them.
 
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eric b 125

Guest
dont forget to paint the outside of the bottom glass panel black: otherwise, the reflection in the glass can really screw up a fishes sense of equilibrium
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
It will be setting on a black stand... I guess I will spray paint it to make absolutely sure. Maybe spray it white? Like a false sand bed?
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
I like the look of the starboard in SPS tanks over on RC. I think it would look halfway decent with a painted flat white bottom. I haven't ever liked the look of black sand, so I don't think I would like the look of flat black paint either.
 
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eric b 125

Guest
or you could spread a thin layer of epoxy down on the inside of the tank and spread a layer of sand on it. i've seen a few tanks over on RC that have done this and it looks sick, but i would be concerned w/ algae growth and discoloration of the sand, personally. i always thought it would be cool to have the entire bottom of a tank just gsp, kind of like grass. but it would be such a PITA to keep it off of rocks once it spreads.
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
Not sure how the clear bottom would mess with the fishes equilibrium???? Doesn't make any sense since the front and sided are clear?
As far as starboard on the bottom could/can be done. I had talked months ago in my thread about a faux sand bed embedded in epoxy. Theoretically you could have the sand look, but have max water flow and no blowing sand!!!! The con against it is you can't clean or scrap it easily. I had researched a good bit on the pros and cons and that was the worst, but if you can deal with it the way to go IMO. It also limits possible fish from your list without a sand bed as well.
Skimmers I think the ASM is better suited for the size tank planned. Again I stress if you call ReefSpecialty or another reputable dealer for the Octopus they will tell or advise against over sizing as your thinking/planning. Bottom line size accordingly, and upgrade skimmer when time arises. You will see no gain in overkill and in fact notice lack of efficiency all the way around. 20 gal I'd look at the ASM mini.
 
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eric b 125

Guest
shawn, i cant remember exactly why it's not good, something i read a few years back, but i think it has to do with the lights reflection off of the bottom panel of glass being so bright.
 
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