Bare bottom tanks??

[Bderick67]

If someone that owns a gravel-bottom tank, and does not adequately vacuum the poop/fish food/sludge out of it, then it creates a very large volume of organics to accumulate. In this situation, even with 100% water change, the nitrAtes will still be high. That is why you HAVE to vacuum your gravel, and HAVE to bang out (or replace) mechanical sponges/pads in order to keep your water healthy/clean.

This is because of lack of proper maintenance, not because of gravel. The same can be said of someone who does not clean their filter frequently enough.

 

[Bderick67]

I agree that debris shouldn't cause ammonia spikes in a well-filtered aquarium, but strongly disagree that the added surface area of filthy gravel is of any benefit to an already well-filtered tank. By letting any muck at all remain in the gravel, we contribute to the total amount of waste in the system. And the extra bacteria growing on the gravel is not of any consequence if filtration is sufficient, but the added debris is something to abhor. I like barebottom because instead of a siphon, all I need is a turkey baster.

Why would any one let the muck remain in the garvel

Two aquariums, same size, same stock, same feeding,same filtration and same maintained cleaning and W/C schedule. You people actually think the bare bottom would have less nitrates

 

[AttackFish]

I prefer bare bottom, with slate on the bottom.
It gives the tank a nice "sleek" look, especially if you have fish that swim in all levels of the tank.
Although, I do love a properly done planted tank!

 

[kevinfleming21]

I prefer bare bottom, with slate on the bottom.
It gives the tank a nice "sleek" look, especially if you have fish that swim in all levels of the tank.
Although, I do love a properly done planted tank!

+1 on this!

 

[CAaddict]

I prefer bare bottom, with slate on the bottom.
It gives the tank a nice "sleek" look, especially if you have fish that swim in all levels of the tank.
Although, I do love a properly done planted tank!

do you have any pics with a bare bottom with slate .. id like to see it lol

mase

 

[Laticauda]

Why would any one let the muck remain in the garvel

Two aquariums, same size, same stock, same feeding,same filtration and same maintained cleaning and W/C schedule. You people actually think the bare bottom would have less nitrates

Yes, because no matter how much you siphon/vacuum, particulates still remain in the gravel.

 

[WarrendaFish]

I prefer gravel and lots if live plants. It's mire natural for the fish and looks great. All my tanks (except my indoor pond) are heavily planted

 

[Bderick67]

Yes, because no matter how much you siphon/vacuum, particulates still remain in the gravel.

Possibly, though I have two bare bottom tanks that are vacuumed weekly and particulates still remain. There is no way you would see a measurable difference in nitrates with either set up. If it make you feel better to believe different then more power to ya.

 

[Chaz88]

Mostly I think it is just a natter of aesthetic preference. However, there can be some benefit in having the aerobic and anaerobic layers a gravel or sand bed provide. It allows for different types of bacteria and waste breakdown processes. Don't have the source at hand but can look up the particulars in one of my old books if needed.

 

[warmouth]

I think its like having a room without furniture!