Are Barebottom Tanks Better?

[trout_pout]

Just wondering, are barebottom tanks better than ones with gravel, sand etc.?

 

[Durbkat]

For fry tanks they are because you can use a turkey baster to get the poop off without stressing or sucking up the fry. But just for regular fish gravel or sand is fine plus it makes the tank look better and more appealing.

 

[dwarfgourami]

Better for what? I think "bare bottoms" are mainly used where hygiene is an important issue, such as hospital tanks (but I still have gravel in mine, just boil it between patients), or very-sensitive-fish tanks, some fry tanks. Also, I believe, in some large oddball tanks.
But if you want somewhere to root your plants and half-bury your caves, like I do, then a substrate is helpful. And some fish like rooting around in sand. And it is one more place for bacteria to live.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi trout_pout

For general fish keeping, I don't think bare bottomed tanks are the way to go. Over the long term I think a more natural environment is better for the fish because it is less stressful.

 

[Barracuda518]

Hi trout_pout

For general fish keeping, I don't think bare bottomed tanks are the way to go. Over the long term I think a more natural environment is better for the fish because it is less stressful.

When I introduced my bigger cory fry to the big tank with all the decorations and sand, they got a lot more active then when they didnt have the sand bottom and plants to explore. So I also think a substrate is definately better

 

[trout_pout]

ok, thanks all!