Question on Remote Deep Sand Beds

[MLS]

I am thinking of adding a remote DSB to by system, but I have one question.

Just how much of a flow/turnover of the water is in the sand?

With the water flowing over the surface of the bed, wouldn't the water in the sand just stagnate?

 

[Denver_Keeper]

Flow should be enough to keep any detritus from settling on the sand.

The whole point is for the water to essentially stagnate within the deeper layers. That means that no new oxygen is being introduced to those layers so that the bacteria that breeds in low to no oxygen environments can do their thing.

 

[MLS]

Another question, if the water in a remote DSB just "sits" in the sand without any exchange with the water flowing over it, how does it remove nitrates from your system?

 

[greenhead]

From my understanding it removes nitrates via production of the good bacteria. Nitrates/Nitrite and ammonia all have leeching properties. Although it seems it is sealed, it essentially becomes a beast all it own. A living organism that has to eat/breath. Although this organism's waste is beneficial bacteria, and its food is your nitrates. Just remember after a good population of bacteria has populated !do not disturb down into the bed!

 

[Duvallj]

Another question, if the water in a remote DSB just "sits" in the sand without any exchange with the water flowing over it, how does it remove nitrates from your system?

I suspect that the nitrates will be able to diffuse from the higher nitrate water (going into the rdsb) into the water in the sandbed (lacking nitrate due to consumption). Think of equilibrium.

I recall a guide about remote deep sand beds floating around but I can find it. Maybe someone does.

 

[power boat jim]

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2268433&page=7 This will help or it wont. Happy reading

 

[guserto4]

There are a few good and long threads on this topic, and from one of them I recall this analogy: if you took a 5 gal bucket, filled the bottom third with gasoline then dumped in your sand and plumbed it into your system, would you be worried? The low/no oxygen bacteria do their thing even if at first it doesn't make sense. I am preparing to set one up and the conclusion I've come to on flow is enough to keep detritus from settling but not enough to stir up sand.

 

[uncleof6]

I have been using DSBs (the real deal) since the mid/late 1970s. Based on the concepts of Dr. Eng, back in the 60s. That being the in-tank critter based (time consuming maturation process) DSB. It is still, after all these years, the most complete natural solution that exists, and the most effective, along with a skimmer. My current seed stock, are descendants of my first DSBs, from that time period.

Of all the current alternatives to that, the most outstanding are those put forth by Anthony Calfo, and specifically the Bucket DSB. I have a link somewhere, but as usual, I cannot find it...

 

[sirreal63]

Very long thread but a very good read as well.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=595109