To SAND or Not to SAND? Thats The ?.

[paulnsd]

I am about to start a 300 Gal. Reef Tank in my home. Not new to this but still would like to get some feedback on this subject.
*** What are peoples opinons about a tank (300 Gal.) this size with or without sand. **
This tank will have:
Live rock
Corals
Fish
Inverts
Equipment will be:
Sump w/micronbag
Skimmer
HQI lights
Chiller
(maybe) UV sterl.
Just would like to hear what people have to say about this subject.
Would like to know about the "waste" and "maintenance" with or without sand in a 300 Gal. tank.
Thanks......
PaulNSD

 

[dburr]

I have a 90. I loved the look of the sand, but at 21X turnover, I didn't like have to shovel the sand off my corals every day. It's up to you and what you are looking for as an end result.
I was first in to softies, and evolved into SPS, so my sand had to go.

 

[xnikki118x]

I went with crushed coral when I was starting out, and I don't like it. I know your question was about sand, but definitely don't go with cc. That's about all I can offer.

 

[thomas712]

Bare bottom or sand, personally I love sand! aragonite sand!

 

[who dey]

sand is the real deal!! cc and argomite tend to trap waste and escalate nitrates and phosphates more than sand. plus the sand looks natural

 

[jdm_ae86]

id base it on what youre planning to do. for a full on sps tank, id go with a light covering of sand..or if youre planning to keep brains, plate corals, clams, etc., id go with a more thicker sand bed, or a dsb..

 

[fishamajig]

Im finding sand to be a pain in the ass. I wish I would Have started with a bare bottom. I think my gobies would be upset though.