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I'm running a microreef (15 gal) with no sand and a bunch of live rock
(tank is about 1/2 full of live rock). Nitrates are zero, but I have to
watch the pH.

I used to have a 65 gal tank with a 3-4 inches of live sand. When I
moved out and broke down the tank, the sand was all poopy underneath. I
had a whole bunch of red and blue legged hermit crabs which I thought
would sift the sand. Apparently they didn't sift the sand much below
the depth of 1/2 inch. Lots of cool humongous worms in the bottom of
the sand though.

Are people concerned about all the poopy stuff that builds up down in
the sand?

Recommend to have DSB for any Reef tank. 3-4" is good. Better to get a fine
sand like "Southdown" / "aragonite" or similar type so it can not trap thing
unlike CC type. The poop will decompose by itself or by those critter that
live on and in the sand. The worm critter will stir your sand and will
release some toxic from the sand. Water circulation is important also. You
do not want any "Dead Spot".

Crab will scanvengage any uneaten thing that was leftover. Worm will stir
your sand.

CapFusion,...