I run a Faux Sand Bed - all the aesthetics of a SB with all the benefits of BB.
I also have about 4-5 cups of sand in the tank. It shifts around from time to time, stopping coralline from covering the entire bottom, and giving a home for burrowing snails and worms while reflecting light up.
I am not convinced about the more natural look of DSB's. I think its more that people are used to seeing tanks with a sand bottom - which is fine, but I don't think it really look more natural. Almost all of the reefs I have seen don't have sand anywhere near the corals, which grow up and away from the sandy bottom. Here is a pic from PNG, no sand in sight
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