effects of no substrate

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
While it's true that substrate provide a small amount of beneficial bacteria, but not enough to really affect anything, IMO. I think it's just preferance...some people have it because of the bacteria, some have it because it makes the tank look nice, it's definitely needed if you're doing a planted tank, but some perfer the simplicity of just having fish, ease of cleaning, saves money, etc.
 
I have barebottom growout tanks but for my breeder tanks the fish seem to never settle down in the tanks with no substrate.
I have considered siliconing a layer of sand to the bottom to see if that works but havent tried it yet.
I would think barebottom wouldnt affect top and midwater fishes but since I keep primarily cichlids and catfish the substrate is more important.
 
I think its just because of the simplicity involved is why they just tossed rocks in the tank. They will need to think twice when they want to add some decor though :)

Right now they only have one HOB 30-60G filter on the tank, An off brand. I advised them to purchase a larger filter, and opt for over filtration if they plan on stocking the tank. *shrug*

Some of the fish they named off to me as what they want for stock list; red tailed sharks, or any shark.., tetra's, pleco, barbs, swordtails, and angel fish.... I said no to angel fish.
 
mrfuzz;2027566; said:
I think its just because of the simplicity involved is why they just tossed rocks in the tank. They will need to think twice when they want to add some decor though :)

Right now they only have one HOB 30-60G filter on the tank, An off brand. I advised them to purchase a larger filter, and opt for over filtration if they plan on stocking the tank. *shrug*

Some of the fish they named off to me as what they want for stock list; red tailed sharks, or any shark.., tetra's, pleco, barbs, swordtails, and angel fish.... I said no to angel fish.
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What size is the tank? I'd say No to sharks, too. Most species get pretty large, and I'm guessing from that filter size, it's a pretty small tank.
 
It's a 55G Long.


I specifically told them get an Emp 400 to start, and or a large canister to save money down the road. To promote a clean take etc. :confused::swear:

Eventually with the sharks they will grow out of tank and need to be moved, its a given.
 
mrfuzz;2027608; said:
It's a 55G Long.


I specifically told them get an Emp 400 to start, and or a large canister to save money down the road. To promote a clean take etc. :confused::swear:

Eventually with the sharks they will grow out of tank and need to be moved, its a given.
Click to expand...

Yuck...that's a tiny filter for a 55. Too bad they didn't follow your advice.

I was thinking they were going to try to cram a shark into a 20...as so many people do only to find they've got a monster on their hands in 6 mos.
 
so the least of his worries is the substrate, for his benefit you better tell him to take those rocks out too, because fish poo & gunk is gonna build up so bad because that tiny filter cant pull it up. until he gets a better filter he has no choice but to go bare glass so he can keep it clean, I dont think substrate adds beneficial surface area anyway it adds more room for mess to cultivate ammonia and crap. I do my show tank and Dovii tank up to look natural but my 13" RD has a glass bottom, as Jcardona said, its easier and also for a RD it gives him less stuff to throw at the me or the glass
 
I actually had this thread as a question for myself I just never asked it. All of our tanks have substrate even our two betta tanks. except.......for one 10g. I didnt know if it was bad for the fish or not.(having no substrate) In the 10 I have 2 rasboras and 2 corys. They have plenty of pvc to hide in, and like 4 bunches of fake plants floating in the tank. They always seem to be okay, doesnt make them crazy or anything. Its only for a few more weeks like two, until I moved them to a 20g. But out of curiosity its interesting to know what people think. I see the no substrate mostly in huge tanks or breeder tanks. interesting :D
 
I would invest in substrate... it's not too expensive and i think makes the tank look nice.
 
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