Pros and cons of bare bottom vs gravel?

[CLDarnell]

I have to admit, I am really impressed with the textured painted tank

I have gravel, sand and bare bottom at the moment. I don't like the looks of the bare bottom, but it's simply an isolation tank. I prefer the tank that has sand. Its easier to vacuum and looks good. I actually enjoy watching the fish play in the sand...picking up mouthfuls and spitting it out or causing swirls when they dart off. I do have way too much and wish I wouldn't have made it so deep. But, I keep stirring it during each water change.

(still liking the painted bottom!)

 

[Cookie*]

I'm impressed with the painted texture bottom too. That looks really good. I have seen a few textured paints on backgrounds before, but they looked kinda crappy. The sand one looks real. It does fool the eye.

I've always used gravel but will be using sand in the tank I'm setting up now. I keep hearing complaints about sand being too light and clouding up, and people saying they are using play sand. You have to get the better sand so it doesn't cloud up and get into your filters. If you are going to use sand- 50 lb. bags of Pool filter sand, sold at any pool supply store for about $8-$10.

 

[FLESHY]

I would rather use a fine gravel than a sand...in all my FW pred tanks I liked this because it allowed me to keep the natural look, without getting fine sand in my filters (yes, this can be avoided, but is still a pain), and without getting waste trapped in the sand, compaction etc.

Fine gravel can be vacuumed extensively once a week to keep it almost as clean as a BB, while providing some area for beneficial bacteria.