DSB or bare bottom?

I vote SSB for DT if you want a mandarin, the pods live in the upper layers of sand, and as for a fuge I vote DSB for the "natural filter with both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria" plus certain plants need a planting medium, mermaid tails, shaving brushes and mangroves. But BB is easier to clean...

 

I have a DSB in my seahorse/seagrass tank. I find it keeps nitrates down in this very high nutrient system. I have had a yellow watchman goby in the tank for over a year now with no issues.

I would go with a SSB in a seagrass-free tank though for the reasons already stated. Plus, I just think it looks better than a bare bottom

 

tattoolew, Jake - I will definitely go with a semi SSB in my DT (about 2").
I don't think i'm going to plant anything in my fuge so I guess I will go with bare bottom, LR rubble & chaeto.

 

My wife's tank is a bare bottom and is an exceedingly clean and successful tank. I'm experimenting with a SSB in my new tank. It looks nice, but I can't honestly say the overall look is better. There are definitely problems that come with a sand bed. I'm still undecided on how I feel about it overall.

 

I too vote SSB.

That's what I'm running in my DT, SSB, Lot's of LR.
MY DIY sump/fuge has BB, skimmer, and LOTS of chaeto.

FWIW

 

Shallow sand in the DT and DSB in the refugium.