Deep Sand Bed in Overflow?

[adambaron]

Would building a couple of small DSBs into the overflows be at all beneficial or would it create more problems than its worth? Anybody try it? The only problems I see is if I had to do something in there but I have only had to do anything when first getting my tank started. Any and all info would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[allstar.h2o]

I have been pondering the same thing. I think when I move my tank (120 CornerFlo) next month I am going to run BB with a deep sandbed (8 to 10in) in both cornerflows, maybe even add lights and make corner refugiums. I already have 2-5in LR rubble stuffed in one for a few months and haven't had to remove it for plumbing purposes.

The only cons I can think of is.
Pods getting sucked into the filter socks instead of the tank.
Algea or snails plugging plumbing which is easily fixable with screen or slotted intake covers.
Removing the standpipes would suck.
Is it enough space for the sand sifting cleanup crew, 10 or so nassarious snails, 1 sand star, and 2 fighting conchs, 1 dukie looking cucumber. This is my main concern. The sand star I feed cyclopeeze with good success,not sure how deep it would go to feed on the sand naturally though, but the conchs would not have that much surface area to feed on.

Or just ditch the sand crew altogether and just run DSB and Chaeto.

I was just staring at the tank and RC when I came across your post. How big is your overflow and tank? 1 or 2 of them? How deep were you thinking of going? I think it is a good idea. I will let you know how it goes at the end of the month when I make the move and try this. I will start with the DSB and add on later. Just the DSB other than the plumbing I dont see why not?

 

[ScarabRa]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10713980#post10713980 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by allstar.h2o
I have been pondering the same thing. I think when I move my tank (120 CornerFlo) next month I am going to run BB with a deep sandbed (8 to 10in) in both cornerflows, maybe even add lights and make corner refugiums. I already have 2-5in LR rubble stuffed in one for a few months and haven't had to remove it for plumbing purposes.

The only cons I can think of is.
Pods getting sucked into the filter socks instead of the tank.
Algea or snails plugging plumbing which is easily fixable with screen or slotted intake covers.
Removing the standpipes would suck.
Is it enough space for the sand sifting cleanup crew, 10 or so nassarious snails, 1 sand star, and 2 fighting conchs, 1 dukie looking cucumber. This is my main concern. The sand star I feed cyclopeeze with good success,not sure how deep it would go to feed on the sand naturally though, but the conchs would not have that much surface area to feed on.

Or just ditch the sand crew altogether and just run DSB and Chaeto.

I was just staring at the tank and RC when I came across your post. How big is your overflow and tank? 1 or 2 of them? How deep were you thinking of going? I think it is a good idea. I will let you know how it goes at the end of the month when I make the move and try this. I will start with the DSB and add on later. Just the DSB other than the plumbing I dont see why not?

I think the flow in the overflow boxes would be to fast.

Why not run the DSB in the Fuge/sump AND Cheto???

Just a suggestion.

I have been berlin for so long its rediculious...lol, im going to add a 3" DSB to my tank this month...lol

I guess the phrase "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence" is truer than i thought...lol

 

[mxett]

I asked the same question of Anthony Calfo. he suggested I didnt, as the water entering the overflow will have debri that will eventually pollute the DSB. He also suggested that if light enters from the sides of the overflow, the algae buildup will inhibit the function of the DSB.

However I did it anyway, as my room options for a DSB are limited, and to be honest, I had made my mind and did it before he answered. I had issues with the fine sand being moved by the large amount of flow in the overflow. To help with the large amount of flow I made the top inch of the sand course aragonite, leftovers I had from the substrate from my calcium reactor. They are heavy enough stones that they don't move. So far everything is fine. I have since installed a RSDB in a bin next to my sump aswell. My tank is doing well so far.

HTH.

 

[adambaron]

Thanks. I have 2 overflows in the 180 though I'm not sure of the size. Allstar do let me know how it goes if you get it up and running.

 

[JeffersonReef]

the sand in the overflow will become a nutrient sink.... a real detrtus trap! I would go for either a remote dsb or a dsb in the fuge.... IMHO

 

[peanut95]

What about filling the overflow with chaeto and no sand?

 

[ScarabRa]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10743349#post10743349 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by peanut95
What about filling the overflow with chaeto and no sand?

Much better idea, IMHO

You could hang the light from one end, so it reaches all the way down the overflow, so the most light gets through.
Ya know hanging vertically
hole this display's, cant take a pic of my nanno, cause im at work..hehe

Top of tank
O.Flow || Light
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stand
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