DSB, how deep is too deep?

[OceanLyons]

I just set up my 55g. with sand from an established tank. The depth ranges from 5-7 inches throughout the tank. Is this ok? Are there any precautions I should take?

 

[graveyardworm]

I've found varying opinions on proper DSB depth 6 inches seems to be a popular answer in some of the expert forums although I've seen it mentioned that deeper is just as, if not more effective for nitrate reduction. You should be fine with a DSB of 5 - 7 inches. Make sure to regularly reseed it with quality live sand from an outside source to maintain diversity and prolong its useful life.

 

[OceanLyons]

Thank you for your reply. Can I reseed it by trading a large cup of somebody else's sand from within my local SW community? Would that be sufficient?

 

[Cody Ray]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7863848#post7863848 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by OceanLyons
Thank you for your reply. Can I reseed it by trading a large cup of somebody else's sand from within my local SW community? Would that be sufficient?

Yes

 

[graveyardworm]

I would go one step further and also use good LS from various online vendors as well. Problem with sand from other reefers is it may be in the shape as yours with depleted populations of the less sustainable species.

 

[cward]

Inland Aquatics sales some nice packages for seeding your sandbed.

 

[trey007]

not sure if you are still watching this, but i have a couple questions about sand beds. Is sand necessarily better than fine crushed coral? Is it true if sand is used we need not worry as much about build up of denitrius?

 

[outy]

fine crushed coral is sand

you just dont want it so coarse that detritus can become trapped. fine sand just doesnt trap as much detritus.

i personaly would not put any strangers old LS in my tank for seeding purpose.

if i know the people and tank and history thats another story.

 

[xtrm suv]

sand allows more surface area for bacteria..

 

[charlesr1958]

This should answer any and all questions about deep sand beds.

http://www.ronshimek.com/Deep Sand Beds.htm

Chuck

 

[gman19]

I was told years ago by Dr. Bob Goemens that a 100g or 1,000g tank fared best with a 4" sand bed over a 1" plenum.

How deep should sand be if a plenum isn't used?...can't say as my current sandbed is directly on the bottom and is about 1" deep.

 

[Ryanqk]

I wouldnt use a plenum really. Not in a reef tank.

 

[drummereef]

Re: DSB, how deep is too deep?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7861429#post7861429 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by OceanLyons
I just set up my 55g. with sand from an established tank. The depth ranges from 5-7 inches throughout the tank. Is this ok? Are there any precautions I should take?

You should be fine. Just have adequate flow and you wont get the anoxic areas which can be very dangerous.

 

[cward]

Good flow is a must IMO. I think this is where people fail when keeping a DSB. I have a 60g remote DSB set up right now that's about 6" deep and I'm pushing about 1000gph thru it.
I'm using Carib Sea special grade sand, which is larger than sugar size sand, but a lot smaller than crushed coral.

 

[OceanLyons]

Well, I have had my DSB for just over two months now, and my water parameters have been great. The nitrates have been zero from the time I set it up (sand and LR was from an established tank), and I am very happy. I was even without a skimmer for the first month!

I also have pretty good flow. I have 3.5 inches of coarse crushed coral in my 10g., and I abosolutely hate it. I can see the junk that gets trapped, and the nitrates are typically above 0. I plan on changing it out soon.

For me, sand's the way to go.

 

[DrBegalke]

5 to 7" is fine. I would use an oolitic aragonite sand, such as Aragamax.