 Re: So You Want To Go Barebottom But You Have Questions...
First question,
Most folks have to add calcium and/or pH buffers even with sand. The sand only breaks down after the pH has dropped to a bit lower than we would normally keep our tanks. Depending on the animals you keep, some need to add more, others less. I have clams and stony corals. I add a good bit 
Second question,
Switching to sand probably won't help your algae problems. What it may do, is allow you to get propers substrate maintaining critters, eg. fighting conch, ceriths snails etc.
I found the biggest aid in keeping my sand clean was flow, flow, flow! Of course , the sand can blow around  But I found a happy place between blowing sand and clean sand! _________ http://www.3reef.com/uploads/BirdSig3.jpgI Love My Sig By John Hawkins!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Date Started 9/04 58 gallon Oceanic Tank, 20 gal DIY sump/fuge w/ Kent Marine Auto top-off, Air Water Ice RO/DI, 10,000 K 175 W MH, 2 VHO 03's 96W each, AquaC EV 120 Skimmer
80 lbs LR, DSB in FUGE, 1 - 2 " LS in tank
Black Brittle Star, Chevron Tang, Crocea Clam, red & green Lobophyllia, Frogspawn, Porites Frag, Caulastrea Frag, Green Ricordia, Asst. Zoas, hermits, astreas, stomatellas, fighting conch | 
