No substrate
- Thread starter secondtry
- Start date
alianated2k2
New Member
I have seen it done on the web. Supposed to work fine. Just slows the cycle (which apparently you are past anyway)
The most impressive thing I have seen was at a pet store out here. Their show tank used to actually have SEA MAT (Polyps) for the bottom and back of the tank. It was really impressive. You could just tell that there was some SERIOUS time put into it.
I have actually heard some people say that bare-bottom is better. And they gave some reasons that I suppose could work theoretically. However, I don't remember the reasons. I just remember walking away thinkings, "Well i suppose it could work."
But I like sand in mine so I didnt pay it much attention.
Ian www.alianated.com http://home.earthlink.net/~alianated/fishtank
The most impressive thing I have seen was at a pet store out here. Their show tank used to actually have SEA MAT (Polyps) for the bottom and back of the tank. It was really impressive. You could just tell that there was some SERIOUS time put into it.
I have actually heard some people say that bare-bottom is better. And they gave some reasons that I suppose could work theoretically. However, I don't remember the reasons. I just remember walking away thinkings, "Well i suppose it could work."
But I like sand in mine so I didnt pay it much attention.
Ian www.alianated.com http://home.earthlink.net/~alianated/fishtank
lordofthereef
Member
BARE BOTTOM IS GOOD AS FAR AS KEEPING THE TANK CLEAN AND CLEAR OF DETRITUS,BUT YOU ALSO NEED TO KEEP IN MIND THAT MOST ARAGONITE SANDS ARE CALCIUM BASED AND ALSO KEEP YOUR PH UP. SO, WHY DON'T YOU TRY THIS ONE. SET UP YOUR TANK WITH THE BARE BOTTOM, THEN SET UP A FUGE UNDER IT WITH A DSB, SOME CULURPA, AND A LIGHT THAT STAYS ON 24/7 . SOUNDS TO ME LIKE YOU'LL HAVE THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS!
secondtry
Member
Thanks for the input. I was told that the substrate was simply a holding area for a lot of crap and whatever falls to the bottom - that there is no real purpose in it other than how it looks. The ph in my water seems to be ok anyway. Also- the guy that gave be the info has been keeping saltwater way longer than all of us and his tanks were all very impressive.
karlas
Member
one fs that i go to uses just enough sand to cover the bottom like 1/4 -1/2"at the most (a couple have no sand at all in them)and the tanks are really impressive but they use lots and lots of lr i guess that makes up for not having the sand but they are the best looking tanks that i have actually seen so far 
ky
Member
I agree with Sammy. I started with about 2-3 inches of substrate in my tanks. I have read many articles (and by my own experience) and have found that a thick bed of substrate is nothing but a breeding ground for nitrate production. All of the food and feces falls down there and rots. If you vacuum your substrate (I just do the very top), put the vacuum down deep once in a while, you will get tons of crap, which is of no benifit to anything. All of my tanks now have no more then 1 inch of substrate, I have been very happy with it.
miner
Member
I had NO sand for a few Yrs. Everything was great !!! It was very very clean and the Polyps and Mushrooms attached themselves to the bottom. It looked good !! Then I got tired of always cleaning it, and went with a DSB. I like the looks a little more, but is it worth it?? IMO I don't think so. I might go back to no sand in a little while.
josh
Active Member
Hi,
Well here's my .02
I personally feel that substrate is way over rated. I have 2" of cc and wouldn't think about changing. There are pros and cons of everything, so just whatever works. It seems the tide is turning on DSB, keep in mind there is always something new out there. I have seen beautiful mature systems with all types and have read so many different opnions on the current trend to DSB. Yea they are great for a while, but there is evidence that they contribute the old tank syndrome. Bottom line, I wouldn't worry too much about the substrate.. whatever you like is fine.
Josh
Well here's my .02
I personally feel that substrate is way over rated. I have 2" of cc and wouldn't think about changing. There are pros and cons of everything, so just whatever works. It seems the tide is turning on DSB, keep in mind there is always something new out there. I have seen beautiful mature systems with all types and have read so many different opnions on the current trend to DSB. Yea they are great for a while, but there is evidence that they contribute the old tank syndrome. Bottom line, I wouldn't worry too much about the substrate.. whatever you like is fine.
Josh
kris walker
Active Member
Yea, I guess I can't keep up either ...or the DSB people have not chimed in yet. I think your best bet is a DSB. It just makes plain sense. If you have CC, it will not process nitrates (unless it is a very thick bed--way thicker than the 4in required with sand). If you don't have a thick enough bed of LS, it will also not process nitrates.
Don't forget, substrate has critters that live in it. These critters eat detritus including poop from fish, and therefore help in the nitrogen cycle (of course, they also poop in it too). Vaccumming it will also remove these benefitial critters.
If you get a DSB, don't vaccumm the sand. IMO, I wouldn't even vaccuum CC substrate, I'd just keep a good current in the tank.
There are lots of other contributors to nitrate spikes, and a quick search may help on that.
Best of luck,
sam
...or the DSB people have not chimed in yet. I think your best bet is a DSB. It just makes plain sense. If you have CC, it will not process nitrates (unless it is a very thick bed--way thicker than the 4in required with sand). If you don't have a thick enough bed of LS, it will also not process nitrates.Don't forget, substrate has critters that live in it. These critters eat detritus including poop from fish, and therefore help in the nitrogen cycle (of course, they also poop in it too). Vaccumming it will also remove these benefitial critters.
If you get a DSB, don't vaccumm the sand. IMO, I wouldn't even vaccuum CC substrate, I'd just keep a good current in the tank.
There are lots of other contributors to nitrate spikes, and a quick search may help on that.
Best of luck,
sam
josh
Active Member
Tiffany:
Welcome to the wonderfully confusing world of reef aquariums. Everybody has their opinions and all are correct. Like I said just pick one, if you haven't then yes I would use sand. As you get more into this you will see very differnt methodologies to keeping the aquariums... those who take notes everyday and are constantly adding things all the way to a thread I recently read about a self sustaining reef which requires nothing, not even feeding the fish. You will enjoy whatever you choose
Josh
Welcome to the wonderfully confusing world of reef aquariums. Everybody has their opinions and all are correct. Like I said just pick one, if you haven't then yes I would use sand. As you get more into this you will see very differnt methodologies to keeping the aquariums... those who take notes everyday and are constantly adding things all the way to a thread I recently read about a self sustaining reef which requires nothing, not even feeding the fish. You will enjoy whatever you choose
Josh
alianated
Member
I also find that kitty litter makes GREAT substrate. You can even train your fish to bury their waste with a little time and patience. Get Johnny Cat and it will klump and be easy to remove. Plus leave your aquarium smelling pine-mountain fresh!!! My catfish absolutely LOVES it!!
(This is a JOKE - DO NOT do this!!)
Sorry guys, couldnt resist after the "confusing world of what works for people" part. Who knows what will work for us next...
(This is a JOKE - DO NOT do this!!)
Sorry guys, couldnt resist after the "confusing world of what works for people" part. Who knows what will work for us next...
marine qa
Member
I would go with the DSB (4-6 inches, so that levels of the DSB have no oxygen). This provides filtration and never needs cleaning. Plus a DSB is natural looking.
However, I have seen impressive no-substrate reef tanks. A lack of substrate will not hurt your tank, but it wont help it either. Further, I dont like the way they usually look.
However, I have seen impressive no-substrate reef tanks. A lack of substrate will not hurt your tank, but it wont help it either. Further, I dont like the way they usually look.