RDSB Questions

[RCBrooke]

I've been reading about deep sand bed in a bucket and have been trying to get a feeling for the working ranges.

1) Is there a recommended depth if not using a bucket?

2) Is there any max depth for proper processing of nitrates?

3) Can I gravity feed a container and use my pump to suck out of the container rather that pump into the container (and maintain the right flow)?

I'm considering plumbing in a 20 gal brute container about 2/3 full (3 5gallon pails full) of kolorscape between my sump and pump. Oh, Mud/Cheato under lights in my sump.

Any thoughts would be appriciated.

Thanks,
Randy

 

[DrBegalke]

I don't use this method, but from what I have read:
1) 5", although if using fine sand, denitrification can occur at shallower depths.
2) No, but at some point (1 foot?) extra depth will not help too much.
3) I don't see why not.

 

[RCBrooke]

Thanks, or the info. Now for another question or two.

I wonder why the DSB in a 5 gallon bucket says to fill almost to the top if you don't see any extra benefits from going over a foot?

Thanks, I guess that 20 Gal brute trash can may get used for something else.

Randy

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

There is no max depth, but very deep is certainly not necessary.

I don't use this method either., I have deep sand in my refugia, but I believe that the macroalgae do all the work, a nd the sand does little to nothing useful.

3) Can I gravity feed a container and use my pump to suck out of the container rather that pump into the container (and maintain the right flow)?

Sounds tricky, depending on whether the pump can operate dry or partially submerged. If the electric goes out, the bucket may overflow.

 

[RCBrooke]

So just macro is enough without a deep sand bed?

Well can't operate pump dry but I'm sure I can find a trash can tall enough to not over flow. I'm thinking normal sump (skimmer section/refugia with macro/return pump with no pump) to trash can with dsb to my pump.

If no benefit to this kind of deep sand bed how about having a lightless live rock area? Any benefit.

I have lots of room for setup and what to maximize my systems stability / filtering ablity.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

If you are growing macroalgae in adequate amounts, I doubt the sand will be beneficial. If you do not have adequate growing macroalgae, the sand may help. Sand mostly only takes out nitrate. Macroalgae take out both nitrate and phosphate.

These articles have more:

Phosphate and the Reef Aquarium
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-09/rhf/index.php

Nitrate in the Reef Aquarium
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/august2003/chem.htm

 

[RCBrooke]

Ok, looks like I'm staing with just the sump/fuge. Thanks so much for you help.

Randy

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You're welcome.

Good luck.

 

[mrbncal]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=595109&perpage=25&pagenumber=1


try this link it has a lot of good information.