Sandbed depth question

[Stanton]

I have 150 lbs of CaribSea Seaflor Special Grade Reef Sand: 1 - 1.7mm diameter grain size and suger size combined in my 100gal I'm setting up. This tank will eventually become a reef tank. It's about three inches deep now. Is this deep enough to work as a denitrifacation or would it be considered a shallow sand bed. Whats my options?

 

[Avi]

I would say that if you want a deep sand bed, you should have at least one more inch of depth. What you'd want to assure if you want a deep sand bed is that the substrate is deep enough to have an area that would be anaerobic. I don't believe that three inches would be adequate and you wouldn't be accomplishing your intention of denitrification.

 

[ronkent]

I only have 3 inches in my 55 and it seems to work. I am currently getting ready to set up my 125 and im shooting for 6 inches. But yes...3 inches did me fine for over a year.

 

[Stanton]

Thanks for the replies. I never have really cared for the deep look. it just took up to much space too me. Would a 5" deep bed in my 20gal sump be sufficient? Then could I have a inch or so in my display?

 

[mhhauser]

I am not sure, I think it is generally different for all Aquariums, but I think a safe depth to go with is 4".

 

[bertoni]

The sump is too small to do much denitrification, IMO. You could just use a 1" sandbed for looks.

 

[mg426]

I have always heard less than 1 inch or greater than 4 inches.<1 inch does nothing for nitrates.

 

[mg426]

But 1 inch does look better. Sump is a bit small but it might help