glass bottom vs live sand

[island reef]

Glass bottom vs. Live sand, Whats everyones opinion? I have had both & have been much happier with the glass bottom, pros & cons for the glass bottom?

 

[misty]

The only pro on the glass bottom that I know of is ease of cleaning, since you can vacuum/suction out gunk.
However, sand on the bottom provides a valuable part of the biological filter. I'm sure you'll hear more pros for sand than for glass, especially regarding the quality of the tank water/health of its inhabitants.

 

[burnnspy]

Glass cannot remove Nitrates and most reef tanks need nitrate removal for the health of marine livestock and algae control.
Glass cannot aid in pH buffering.
BurnNSpy

 

[jwalters77]

Well I have never had a glass bottom but I do have a 5-6in sandbed and just for looks if nothing else I would go with sand...I have had more compliments on the sand than anything else...
my vote is sand!!!!

Jake