Sand bed on a 20g L tank

[Jrkrouse13]

Just starting out a new nano 20g long tank. I purchased about 40lbs of LS and am wondering if this is too much or a good amount. Across the board it is about 2-3 inches in height. I know this reduces overall water amounts which could be good and bad but does it make a difference if the sandbed is that large.

 

Should I remove about an inch? 

 

Is an inch of sand worth the loss of the extra water?

 

is that overall extra sand making a difference for the tank?

[Nano sapiens]

You'll find that many use shallow sand beds of 3/4 - 1-1/2" for small nano tanks (1" average in my 12g).  A 2-3" sandbed (or even a bit more) can work, too, but takes away from vertical water height and can look unsightly to some (personal preference).

 

Deeper sandbeds are typically used when burrowing fish/inverts are present.

[Maui's Reef]

My last 29 Gallon had a 5-6 inch bed to keep nitrates down.  It worked beautifully.  All you lose is height.

[Clown79]

I prefer 1-2" sandbeds. Easier to keep clean with vacuuming.

My 10g had a deeper sand bed and it was a PITA.