Capn, here is some new information about DSBs.
Here is the entire article
http://www.instantocean.com/uploade...nowledge/SeaScope/Past/SS_Vol23_Fall_2007.pdf
Quote
"This leads me to believe it’s important
for aquarists to give more thought to the
volume of area that houses facultative
and obligate anaerobic heterotrophs in
closed systems. It should be evident that
the denitrification path in an anoxic
area is of far greater value than the
denitrification path in anaerobic areas.
Since the volume of area accomplishing
nitrification is usually fixed in closed
systemsâ€"near the surface area of live
rock and upper level of the sandbedâ€"in
my opinion it’s wise to concentrate
on how to enlarge the volume of
anoxic zones and reduce the volume of
anaerobic zones. Some possibilities to
consider would include shallow sandbeds
and use of coarse-grained sand (i.e., 2â€"œ5
mm). Minimizing the use of live rock
also should be considered. The Jaubert
Plenum method is another approach,
since it helps maintain the greater
portion of its sandbed in an anoxic
condition(5). In fact, it has been used with
great success in both public and private
aquaria worldwide, either as part of a
new installation or in an interconnected
system(6 & 7).
For more information, please review the
works referenced in this article or visit
my Web site at
www.saltcorner.com,
where References 5, 6, and 7 are posted.
References"
