[Mattgrieco]

I'm starting a 225 gallon reef. Many questions answered by local friends but one that seems to go back n forth is the following:

Undergravel vs sand bed. I'm leaning towards sand bed but some say 3-4inch others say barely covering the glass bottom.

Thoughts....

Matt

[Firefish]

I'm no sand bed genus & I have 2-3" of sugar size aragonite myself but.... I believe you need a good 4"+ to get maximum performance from a DSB. There are lots of threads
started on this topic. Try doing a search in this or the reef forum and see what you can find.

Oh- and Welcome to Reefland!

[Clay12340]

I would avoid the undergravel filters. They are a real pain and don't perform as well as other available methods.

Barely covering the bottom of the tank with sand provides the sand for looks and creates a habitat for some scavengers. A deep sand bed of 3" or more can perform denitrification functions as well as provide homes for many types of burrowing tank inhabitants.

To add to the confusion some people also use nothing on the bottom of their tanks to prevent detritus from collecting. So that is an option as well.

[Reefland]

Here is my brief take on the subject...
http://www.reefland.com/rho/0105/medprod2.php

[Mattgrieco]

Thanks for all the input. Wow, great way to get info quickly. Looking forward to many years ahead in this hobby. I had a 55 and a 70 about 15 years ago. Things are a bit different now with equipment. 220 is a big jump but i don't do anything small anymore and from what i hear, bigger is better in this hobby.

[Reefland]

Things are much different than they were 15 years ago in this hobby, that's for sure. For that matter, things are different than they were 5 years ago.

[ryddo]

I hope you find a way you feel good with. Let me know what you decide.

Ryan

[Mattgrieco]

Too many things don't add up with Buddy. I'm going your recomended route. Going to buy the tank tomorrow..

[ryddo]

Let me know how things go today. When you need the help setting up, let me know!