question for DSB people.

[eclectikitty]

When it comes time to replace the sand, whether partially or totally, how do you do it? If your DSB is in the main tank, do you have to drain all the water out and remove the livestock? Is there a way to do it without disrupting everything? I would prefer suggestions from experienced DSB advocates only, please. Just don't want to start another argument.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

I'm not a DSB advocate nor a "DSB person", but I do have experience removing a DSB. You don't need to remove all the water. You shouldn't remove all the water. Siphon up the sand with a hose. Go slowly. It will take several weeks- maybe even months. Whatever you do, don't stir up large patches of your DSB or you might lose sensitive corals like Acropora.

 

[Stephany]

You might have interest in this thread. I thought it was nice to hear the history, and the pros and cons.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=786718

 

[eclectikitty]

Thank you for answering. So, I could just suck it up with a siphon? At what point in the sand bed's life would you recommend I start replaceing it? OH, and another question(sorry): My "plan so far" is to have mostly BB, but somehow provide a confined section with 3-4 inches of sand for certain desireable(to me) organisms......Would it be possible to have the kind of flow needed for excellent SPS polyp extension without sending sand flying all over the tank? My "plan so far" is to only have a few SPS specimens placed at the top region of a live rock structure and to somehow keep the strongest water flow in that region (I have this crazy dream where I can keep low flow critters with high flow critters in the same 75gal tank), like with a single Tunze stream or something of the sort. I was thinking that maybe I could use rock or stonies to protect the low-flow corals from the stronger currents, and also the section of sand........

 

[eclectikitty]

Stephany-I already looked at the BBvs.DSB threads.........it only made me realize that I want what I want, and I'll have to work at it and be consistant no matter what. But, thanks anyways.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6873837#post6873837 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by eclectikitty
Thank you for answering. So, I could just suck it up with a siphon? At what point in the sand bed's life would you recommend I start replaceing it?

Replace it when it's full of gunk. (Lifespan of any SB will vary.)
High flow up top and slower (massive) flow low is desirable.
You shouldn't have a sandstorm if you do it right.
I don't know many others with a 10 year old table Acropora.
I would never do Acros with a DSB again. JME and JMO

 

[eclectikitty]

Okay. Thanks. Your experience and opinion are appreciated. So....when my sand bed starts looking grimey(before I see changes in my parameters and livestock) I should probably start the replacement process.

And I'm not interested in Acropora for this tank. IMO, I think they deserve to have their own tank. But, I already have a Porites in Stephany's tank(it's been there for a year ). I'm interested in Stylophora and/or Echinopora, and/or Montipora.

In your experience, do you think these corals will be okay as long as I give them space(to grow and avoid sweepers), and the appropriate parameters? I won't have more than 2-3 small reef-safe fish, if any.

My other desired corals are: assorted mushroom anemones, a few colonies of zooanthids, Pachyclavularia, a gorgonian, fungia, caulastrea, favia, and one colony of plerogyra.

 

[eclectikitty]

Stephany-I looked at the thread. It's nice that it isn't an argument; just people stateing what they have. Thank you.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6874463#post6874463 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by eclectikitty
I'm interested in Stylophora and/or Echinopora, and/or Montipora.

In your experience, do you think these corals will be okay as long as I give them space(to grow and avoid sweepers), and the appropriate parameters? I won't have more than 2-3 small reef-safe fish, if any.

My other desired corals are: assorted mushroom anemones, a few colonies of zooanthids, Pachyclavularia, a gorgonian, fungia, caulastrea, favia, and one colony of plerogyra.

Impressive. You already know their names before you have the corals!
I think you'll do alright. So will your corals.

 

[drtango]

Agree with Gary. The corals you have in mind are quite happy in medium to low flow areas of the tank, at least that's where I keep mine.

John

 

[eclectikitty]

Fantastic!! Thank you.