rebuild 48G SPS tank. Advice on DSB or not?
- Thread starter ccyflai
- Start date
What should I pay attention to keep a successful barebottom SPS tank? A larger of live rock to tank ratio? A much stronger flow? An overkilled skimmer?
I like sandbed as it looks more nature and aesthetically. And so I prefer a shallow sandbed. Caribsea claimed its aragonite sand allows denitrification as little as 1" depth. Is it a good compromise between DSB and BB?
I like sandbed as it looks more nature and aesthetically. And so I prefer a shallow sandbed. Caribsea claimed its aragonite sand allows denitrification as little as 1" depth. Is it a good compromise between DSB and BB?
Fishfreak218
New member
1" sandbed (b.c. BB just looks plain ugly) for successful SPS tank go with strong flow, overkilled skimmer, good water quality (high calcium and good Alk.)
Lobster
Premium Member
Bottomline: you will receive votes for both systems plus a few more. Eventually, certain people will show up and violently defend their preferred method, and it could get nasty around page 3 or 4. 
The only answer to your question is that there is TONS of information on both methods here. Research all of them and choose which you feel would work best for you. Keep in mind that much of the information you read will be opinion with a bit of urban myth thrown in. Even the "experts" disagree a lot and today's "only way to run" is tomorrow's "what were we thinking?".
Good luck, stay objective.
The only answer to your question is that there is TONS of information on both methods here. Research all of them and choose which you feel would work best for you. Keep in mind that much of the information you read will be opinion with a bit of urban myth thrown in. Even the "experts" disagree a lot and today's "only way to run" is tomorrow's "what were we thinking?".
Good luck, stay objective.
Wiskey
New member
BB is a very simple idea, keep it clean,....
To do this, aim for around 80-120 X intank flow, using things like penductors, seios, or streams.
Add a skimmer that is simply huge.
Cook your rock.
Keep your LR stacked loosly to alow flow to go around and between all the rocks.
Blow off your rocks with a turkey baster or powerhead to keep them clean, this becomes less nessesary as the tank matures.
I personaly beleave that SSB is only a good alternitive if you REGULARLY syphon the deatris that builds up in the sandbed. A SSB does not have the microfauna required to keep it clean, or the anarobic areas to denitrify so you need to do this part yourself.
Myself I think DSB or BB are better choices, and I am of course partal to BB for any sps tank.
HTH,
Whiskey
majesticangelfish
New member
Not again...:lol:
Do a search, MANY threads on this topic. :eek2:
Goodluck.
Do a search, MANY threads on this topic. :eek2:
Goodluck.
MiddletonMark
Premium Member
What have you had good success with before?
IMO, do that.
If you have found success with a method, why not do the same? As is evident here, even people with a plenum can have drool-worthy tanks. :thumbsup:
If you haven't had success, what methods? Your take on why?
IMO, different methods are suited to different reefkeepers, their livestock, and their practices/equipment.
While a DSB might not be aesthetically a bummer to lose space - if you've had success, good growth, and nice colored corals with it before - I'd rather look at that than 4" more of not as nice tank/coral.
IMO, do that.
If you have found success with a method, why not do the same? As is evident here, even people with a plenum can have drool-worthy tanks. :thumbsup:
If you haven't had success, what methods? Your take on why?
IMO, different methods are suited to different reefkeepers, their livestock, and their practices/equipment.
While a DSB might not be aesthetically a bummer to lose space - if you've had success, good growth, and nice colored corals with it before - I'd rather look at that than 4" more of not as nice tank/coral.
J_Geisinger000
New member
Bare bottom you woulnt regret it
