here is an example of a thriving SPS tank without a DSB or RDSB.
no substrate, refugium, closed loop, algae cultures, chiller or computer control
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/totm/index.php
Bare Bottom vs. Sand
- Thread starter jaredloo
- Start date
here is an example of a thriving SPS tank without a DSB or RDSB.
no substrate, refugium, closed loop, algae cultures, chiller or computer control
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/totm/index.php
bajabum
New member
I wouldn't call it perfect, It appears adaptable, self balancing and constantly changing because of changes that occur in the balances. In the ocean it is the diversity that keeps it in balance. It is definitly a matter of preference. My preference is to have the system self balancing/moderating, but that is easier said than done. This discussion combined with my observation has prompted me to increase the depth of my sand beds in my support tanks. I am also planning on adding no oxygen DSB to my systems with do not disturb signs on them. I would miss my little jellyfish pulsing around my macro tanks to much if a went BB.
48 hours after adding sand to the tank that had the slime bloom, slime is almost gone. 72 hours after adding 6" of sand to the other macro tank, the microfauna increased signifigantly and algae growth increased signifigantly. My conclusion is lots of sand or BB with lots of skimming.
48 hours after adding sand to the tank that had the slime bloom, slime is almost gone. 72 hours after adding 6" of sand to the other macro tank, the microfauna increased signifigantly and algae growth increased signifigantly. My conclusion is lots of sand or BB with lots of skimming.
bajabum
New member
One of the keys to making the choice is choice of inhabitants. From the tank of the month link "SPS dominated display, particularly a system that must support a heavy input of nutrients from feeding the fish"
I on the otherhand I have anemonies and bugs which produce large amounts of ammonia. So I believe the BB choice would be based on the ammonia production of the inhabitants. BB will not process ammonia fast enough, only active dark (deep) sand beds have that capacity. My choice of using sand and algae is not a preference, but a neccesity. Tanks are unstable without it. As a note, I currently believe my problem in raising clown fish fry was BB tanks with no capability to process ammonia from the rotifers.
I on the otherhand I have anemonies and bugs which produce large amounts of ammonia. So I believe the BB choice would be based on the ammonia production of the inhabitants. BB will not process ammonia fast enough, only active dark (deep) sand beds have that capacity. My choice of using sand and algae is not a preference, but a neccesity. Tanks are unstable without it. As a note, I currently believe my problem in raising clown fish fry was BB tanks with no capability to process ammonia from the rotifers.
cpagego
New member
"It occurred to me that a deep sand bed might be analogous to a terrestrial septic systemâ€"it will work very well until it fills up, and then you’ve got big problems! I couldn’t understand how a DSB could last “forever†in a closed system..."
This is a quote from Tangeman's tank of the month piece. I think this issue needs to be explored. How does a DSB die? Or, does the DSB just need to be washed every once in a while. Or, maybe not if there are lots of critters. Does a dark, anerobic DSB need to be renewed, refreshed or replaced? I know people talk about it needing to be replaced every couple of years. it would certainly be a lot easier to replace a DSB if it were remote in a plenary or bucket. Something to think about.
This is a quote from Tangeman's tank of the month piece. I think this issue needs to be explored. How does a DSB die? Or, does the DSB just need to be washed every once in a while. Or, maybe not if there are lots of critters. Does a dark, anerobic DSB need to be renewed, refreshed or replaced? I know people talk about it needing to be replaced every couple of years. it would certainly be a lot easier to replace a DSB if it were remote in a plenary or bucket. Something to think about.
markandkristen
Active member
we have a nice fish store around our neighborhood. he is a believer in disturbing the sandbed and stirring it out. his systems are emacualant and thriving. his display tanks are beautiful. hes been in business for about 10 years. his opinion is "you can either wait for it to happen in the sand bed. or you dan mechanically help take it out." after reading this thread im still up in the air as most probably are.
Sounds like someone in Fl. got the DSB right. I manually stirred things up until I decided to be lazy and buy critters to do it for me.
Regarding replacement: Many DSB folks just replace part of their bed every once in a while, depending on bioload, type of substrate, etc. I do 1/3 every 15mos. or earlier if I must. The sediment on the bottom gets very hard and compacted. I bet that's denitrifying great, but if you don't partially change the substrate up you'll lose buffering capacity. Then your constantly calibrating, adding chemicals, etc. Uh, sort of the opposite of a "more natural way".
Its not uncommon to set up a DSB and a year later start seeing it crash. Just do a pH test and odds are it's low. Buffer up and swap out for some fresh aragonite.
Regarding replacement: Many DSB folks just replace part of their bed every once in a while, depending on bioload, type of substrate, etc. I do 1/3 every 15mos. or earlier if I must. The sediment on the bottom gets very hard and compacted. I bet that's denitrifying great, but if you don't partially change the substrate up you'll lose buffering capacity. Then your constantly calibrating, adding chemicals, etc. Uh, sort of the opposite of a "more natural way".
Its not uncommon to set up a DSB and a year later start seeing it crash. Just do a pH test and odds are it's low. Buffer up and swap out for some fresh aragonite.
