Do I Need Substrate?

[Razor7Music]

Hello--

I recently moved and took my tank with me. The fine sand substrate I had smelled foul and so I didn't take it with me.

I have a great rock dwelling and wondered if I "need" substrate? The tank looks neater and will be easier to clean--but then I wondered if there were any health reasons that I should have some substrate?

Thanks,

 

[why_spyder]

Bare bottom is fine - it just doesn't look as nice.

 

[Natalie]

Cichlids really enjoy sifting through sand, it gives them something to do. Even though bare bottom tanks are easier to clean, I prefer to keep sand in my tanks.

The sand in your tank might have smelled "foul" because it developed anaerobic bacteria pockets. You can avoid this by keeping the sand 1-2" deep, no more, and stirring it up when you do water changes to release the pockets. You'll probably notice the release of a sulfur-smelling gas from the sand when you do this.

 

[Razor7Music]

Thanks all. I don't have much bottom left because of my hard scaping--but I'm glad to know they don't "need" it.

 

[m1ste2tea]

some people will argue that beneficial bacteria grows in the substrate and helps reduce the ammonia and nitrite, but if you have a nice filter that does ALL of that for you then you dont need it unless its something that you know your fish prefer.

 

[aclockworkorange]

Some species really need sand to be happy. Other than that, bare bottom is fine.