RDSB and refugium question

[ren99]

I am planning to have a separate 90 gallon as a big refugium.

I would like to have a DSB and grow chaeto in this refug to help export nutrients.

My question is, wouldn't all the detritus collect and settle in this sand bed in the refugium? After some time, this DSB would do more harm then good.

Right now I can look at the bottom of my sump and see detritus build up. I wouldnt want the sand bed to have this. Does anyone have any opinions?

 

[mg426]

I run a remote Refugium/DSB. I use a 100 micron filter sock to pefilter the water entering the Fuge. Every 6 months I turn off the flow to the fuge. I stir up the DSB sand all the way to the bottom(8 inches of sand) The water turns Black. I siphon all the Black water out. I then rifill the fuge half way and repeat the process. Then I refill with new Saltwater and return to service.Nothing bad has ever happened to my Display.

 

[ren99]

Thanks for your suggestion. Are there any other way to keep a DSB long term?

 

[mg426]

Not sure if there is a better way, I am not sure if the way I do it is correct either. It has just worked for me.

 

[ren99]

In your experience, Should I run RDSB and chaeto in the same tank or separate tanks?

 

[mg426]

I have run Chaeto in my remote Refugium/DSB for at least 5 years. It grows and I prune it back. When the sand starts to look nasty I clean it out.