DSB, need to change?

[dmbnpj]

Is it necessary to change out the dsb every few years? I have read that the dsb will reach its limit at a point and then start leeching back into the system?

 

[virginiadiver69]

There is so much debate about this. I tend to think if a person does it correctly and it's taken care of properly it should not need to be changed

 

[Agu]

Had a dsb for five years. Only removed it because I had to disturb it changing tanks. Undisturbed the lifespan is unknown.

 

[dmbnpj]

what about if the dsb is crushed coral?

 

[Zoophile]

There's a ton of info in this section that's available on crushed coral beds and changing over to oolitic sand, for example. You might want to consider changing over to sand because of all the trapped nitrates CC can cause.

If your bed has been established for some time, maybe consider changing over small portions of it at a time. Have a QT tank ready in case there's hydrogen sulfide gas trapped in your bed. You don't want to disturb it all at once unless you're going to get everything out, QT everything, and change it all at in one fell swoop.

 

[dmbnpj]

ugh, sounds like a nightmare!