For beginners: Bare bottom tank vs substrate

[JoshBA]

Although bare bottom tanks are much easier to keep clean, I feel like they may not have as much 'buffering' capacity against a beginner's potential mistakes in tank up-keeping. A substrate provides an excellent surface area for bacteria to colonize, versus a bare bottom tank that must rely on its decorations or filter alone for bacteria. A neglected tank with sand would likely maintain better water quality than one without it.

I'm always thought about this, and I'm wondering what you're opinions are on it.

 

[Dyelon]

I have a strong preference for substrate in most of my tanks and I think it does provide a lot of important functions. I also would think that substrate in a neglected tank can become dangerous, especially sand. A fine sand could create anoxic zones in your sand and give rise to harmful bacteria and other forms of waste.

So I guess what I am saying is that it depends on just how neglected this tank is and if it is not neglected and just poorly maintained by a novice tank owner then I would agree that the substrate could provide some extra wiggle room for mistakes.

-Dylan