Algae algae on my glass

[jnarowe]

Remote Deep Sand Bed. This is a common way of getting the benefits of sand without the hassle of maintaining it in the display.

Most people like the look of sand in their display, but I don't really care about that. I am more interested in "safer" reef keeping so I am going bare bottom slowly. VERY slowly.

There are some threads on RC about using a 5 gal. bucket as a remote DSB and that is certainly something you can consider. For a small system I would probably employ that method and maybe just an SSB or BB in the display.

This topic can get a little out-of-hand, but essentially it comes down to what your reef-keeping philosophy is. I coach some local reefers and that's the first question I ask. "What is your reef-keeping philosophy?" and I usually get a blank stare or befuddled look.

Then I try to work the person through the various bits of information they hold to be true to squeeze out a philosophy. And to be sure, our philosophies change as we grow in the hobby and have various experiences in it.

 

[dmbnpj]

Well I am considering barebottom now that I am having this hair algae problem. I think I have tried everything else and am almost at the conclusion that it is coming from my crushed coral sand bed. I, [like you are doing], am thinking of SLOWLY removing the sand from the display. I am glad you pointed out I could do a RDSB, for I havent thought of that. Just not sure if I have the room to do it (my calcium reactor, kalk reactor and top off bucket are already intruding into the living room). But, if a RDSB in a 5 gallon bucket would be enough for my 75 gallon tank, I might have to steer that way. Your input so far on this thread and others has been great for me. Thanks for your help.

 

[jnarowe]

No sweat. And keep in mind that these are my opinions borne out of a lot of research and discussion with extremely advanced reef keepers, but nonetheless, opinions based on experience and research. If you go bare bottom, you will have to be a more diligent reef keeper. It will be more important to keep your parameters in line, to test often, and adjust your water chemistry accordingly.

 

[dmbnpj]

Yah thats why I have been hesitant about going that way. Will the RDSB not cure this?

 

[jnarowe]

The RDSB won't "cure" anything, but IMO it will give you some leeway in husbandry. I would liken it to a typical sand filter that needs its sand changed out every so often. Keep in mind that noxious zones can be created within DSBs so you have to be careful when exchanging sand. This is why the 5g bucket can work well. It is easy to take "offline", remove some sand, fill and let settle before bring it back online.

There are so many ways to filter reefs use various media, but sand is proven and easy to obtain. We use it extensively here in the NW for septic systems and the one I have produces drinkable effluent. I am a fan of sand, but not too good at dealing with it in my display. That really is a function of how the display is installed and having a life outside of reef keeping.

 

[miwoodar]

Good thread!

 

[dmbnpj]

In lowering new sand into an existing tank will that create a new 'cycle'?

 

[jnarowe]

I wouldn't think so if you just do a sock full at a time. Obviously it's going to be fully rinsed sand. You could even benefit a bit by soaking it in RO/DI water and changing that water out every couple of days. Slow and easy!