Gravel vs. Bare Bottom Substrate Question

[Toby_H]

Basically, the aquarium doesn't "need" substrate... and a bare bottom tank is easiest to keep clean...

The only real benefit that substrate offers is additional surface area for bacteria to colonize... One could also argue it can absorb the shock of a falling rock or other object...

But the main reason people like to use substrate is for the appearance... and in that regard the substrate that you like best is the best...

Just keep in mind the larger the substrate the more particles will fall down into the substrate where it can rot (biodegrade)... and if the substrate is too small (fine sand) then it can get swooshed into the water column where it can damage filters.

 

[vfc]

Depends our your priority. If saving yourself cleaning time is your priority, then a BB will do that. If you want your fish to be in a more natural environment, and arguably happier (especially fish that like to dig) then go with substrate.

I recently switched a tank from BB to sand. When I moved some fish that were in two different tanks with substrate, to my new BB tank, they definitely reacted negatively to it. My Titanium Flowerhorn was actually turning sideways and looking down through the bottom. My Frontosas were hiding in caves most of the time. After a week I couldn't stand it anymore. I added a bag of Tahitian Moon sand, (while the fish were in the tank BTW) each day for a week. Amazingly, after I put the first bag in, some of my Frontosas immediately moved over to that side (see picture below). After I got all the sand in, the Frontosas started digging pits (just like they do in the wild).

 

[luohanfan]

i wouldn't use small river pebbles, they trap a huge amount of poop underneath them..
I've seen how bad they can be..