theROYSKIE
New member
just read a few articles explaining functions of both styles. the articles were written with a "here is all the info on both" approach as opposed to "this is better than that".
How deep does a sand bed have to be to be considered "deep"? does grain size have an influence on the classification?
i have an 80 gal display 48"x20"x18" with approx 100lbs of mixed #3 & #2 grain sand. there is approx 115 gal total system volume w sump and refuge. after sand and rock displacement, rock:40-60lbs approx) the system is almost 5 months old.(too young to show any problems just yet, if any should arise)
the sand bed is approx 3-4" deep and rests directly on the bottom of the tank( no plenum)
i have heard and read that some properly set up systems utilizing the plenum method with sand beds 1-2" deep and of proper grain size can go months even years without wc's because of the systems ability to recycle organic and inorganic compounds. the result is undetectable levels of no3 and po4.
Systems utilizing DSB's if not properly set up with correct grain size and depth can harbor huge anaerobic areas(the majority of sb) where ammonification can occur. this results in elevated and sometimes uncontrollable levels of no3 being released back into water column.
i have noticed that my no3 levels are not insanely high or uncontrollable, 5-10 ppm with weekly 15% wc's. however, lately i have been performing 5 gal wc's daily. this is not in response to a overly large bio load or poor feeding practices but because the SPS are loving it. and no3 have dropped to undetectable. my p04 has not been a problem bc of my fuge. i do not have to dose for alk or mag because the wc add it (kent reef salt mix) so there are some pros to my method but...
i am wondering if i made a mistake by going with as much sand as i did. or not setting up the plenum tray to separate sb from tank bottom to encourage anoxic organism growth and function. everything... lps, sps, macroalgae and mixed pods in fuge, fish, & clams are all doing and growing very well and my motto is always not to mess with success. but i would be crushed if problems manifested themselves down the road.
thanks for your input and advice
cheers,
Roy
How deep does a sand bed have to be to be considered "deep"? does grain size have an influence on the classification?
i have an 80 gal display 48"x20"x18" with approx 100lbs of mixed #3 & #2 grain sand. there is approx 115 gal total system volume w sump and refuge. after sand and rock displacement, rock:40-60lbs approx) the system is almost 5 months old.(too young to show any problems just yet, if any should arise)
the sand bed is approx 3-4" deep and rests directly on the bottom of the tank( no plenum)
i have heard and read that some properly set up systems utilizing the plenum method with sand beds 1-2" deep and of proper grain size can go months even years without wc's because of the systems ability to recycle organic and inorganic compounds. the result is undetectable levels of no3 and po4.
Systems utilizing DSB's if not properly set up with correct grain size and depth can harbor huge anaerobic areas(the majority of sb) where ammonification can occur. this results in elevated and sometimes uncontrollable levels of no3 being released back into water column.
i have noticed that my no3 levels are not insanely high or uncontrollable, 5-10 ppm with weekly 15% wc's. however, lately i have been performing 5 gal wc's daily. this is not in response to a overly large bio load or poor feeding practices but because the SPS are loving it. and no3 have dropped to undetectable. my p04 has not been a problem bc of my fuge. i do not have to dose for alk or mag because the wc add it (kent reef salt mix) so there are some pros to my method but...
i am wondering if i made a mistake by going with as much sand as i did. or not setting up the plenum tray to separate sb from tank bottom to encourage anoxic organism growth and function. everything... lps, sps, macroalgae and mixed pods in fuge, fish, & clams are all doing and growing very well and my motto is always not to mess with success. but i would be crushed if problems manifested themselves down the road.
thanks for your input and advice
cheers,
Roy
