DSB in 10 Gallon

[HumanIMDB]

I'm in the process of changing my 10G Nano from Crushed Coral to a Deep Sand Bed and wondering if 3 inches of sand might be a little excessive. The tank is only 12 inches high.

Is anyone else running a DSB in a 10 gallon tank?

I'm thinking 2.5 inches looks like it might be okay, but I might even go down to 2.

Everything is still running in the tank with the crushed coral, the new tank with the sand is dry while I wait for answers.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[GobyJohnKenobi]

I'm not a big fan of having more than an inch of sand in a nano.
There is a big debate about the usefulness of DSB, but the almost universal opinion seems to be that they don't function well at all in small tanks and especially nanos.

BTW- The huge bacteria population they support will place a very large demand for oxygen on your tank.

All that being said, I do have a 2" bed in my 15 High. It is crawling with life and looks pretty nice, but the tank is 18" tall.

My 8 gallon BioCUBE has a 1" bed. It was only 1/2" ; but I want to keep a 6 line wrasse in it, so I added another 1/2" .

 

[ninjafish]

Haha - age old debate.
I have tried both ways and I wouldn't put a DSB in ANY tank. Especially a nano.
The only reason I ever use a thin layer of sand in a tank is for it to look more "natural" (or if you have livestock that requires sand). If I am going for a healthy system I go BB.

- Chad

 

[jdieck]

A nano does not need a DSB. It is easier and not expensive to make more frequent water changes to keep Nitrates and other nutrients down. 1/2" to 1" for aesthetics will be enough.

 

[saltycreefer]

DSB=Deadly stinky bacteria to me.
Sand holds lots of detritus and i never use more than an inch in order to keep clean.
Just do a water change every 2 weeks.