Red Sea Reef Base- Dsb?

[Creade]

Im setting up another refugium today, and I have a bag of this Red Sea Reef Base laying around.

I was curious if anyone has ever tried using this substrate for a DSB, or even just a few inches?

If your not familiar with the substrate I'm talking about...
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=19639

It is aragonite , porous little balls.

I was considering using just this, or mixing it with some finer aragonite sand that I have as well.


I guess my concern is whether over time, the Red Sea Reef Base will be large enough to let particles get stuck between...

Maybe its a noob question, but I havent tried this stuff before so was hoping someone else might have!

Thanks

 

[jbryant]

That looks like the media I put in my canister filter for my fresh water tank. Im not to sure it would make a good dsb as its not really sand. These are just my thoughts and its very early in the morning so maybe im not thinking clearly. Im sure more people will reply since there are alot of reefers using them.
Jason

 

[Creade]

This is much smaller than filter media.

 

[stlrams88]

We use it in some of our tanks where I work. FWIW we have it in fish only tanks, and only a very small amount in it. I suppose it would work for a fuge but I would probably just use the finer aragonite sand if it were me. I havent really seen any advantages or disadvantages to using it either.

 

[rendogg]

It's made out of Foraminiferans, that's why the grains are symmetrical. I've used it and besides looking unnatural (even though it's natural) it allows a lot of detritus to accumulate, making it unsuitable as DSB substrate. Also, unless it's clogged with detritus, it allows too much oxygen to penetrate deep inhibiting the anaerobic bacteria you want in a DSB. It's fine at an inch or two but you would want to vacuum it periodically. Maybe it would work OK mixed with fine aragonite, try it and let us know.

 

[Creade]

I appreciate the input. I dont mind the look of it that much slightly different than what you normally see, but /shrug

I'll likely just end up picking up some extra aragonite. I was just trying to make use of this bag!

 

[blennymower]

My opinion: I think the grains are too big for the small critters you'd find in a deep sandbed.

 

[blennymower]

Although I don't have the link, I know there are articles you can find that talk about the adequate grain size needed for a deep sandbed.

 

[Creade]

I've read all the DSB debates over the years. Most would agree this is larger than the optimal grain size, I guess I was just looking for some thoughts on this specific substrate, as its slightly different than just large grain sand or gravel.