sand or no sand

[amadent]

I just came back fro my local fish guy. He has absolutly beautiful reef tanks on display. Has had them for years. He suggests that I set up my reef tank without any sand substrate. Any cons or pros? Any help would be appreciated. He seems honest and knowledgable, but what do I know.

 

[bullitr]

no sands are better imo no decaying matter will be in the sand but i have about a 1" of sand for the looks.

 

[amadent]

bullitr,
that's what he said at the store. Thank you for your response. I guess if no decaying matter than no or hopefully very low nitrates

 

[1journeyman]

A proper clean up crew, live sand, proper stocking, proper water movement and proper sand bed depths leads to great benefits in a tank.
There is no substitute for sand in micro critter habitat. Many clean up crew species need a sandy bottom to thrive as well.

 

[amadent]

what would you consider a proper sand be for a reef tank?

 

[1journeyman]

1 inch or less, or greater than 4 inches.