What Exactly is Old Tank Syndrome ?

[outy]

What does one need to do to maintain a DSB? I have had one for about 4 years and I was under the impression that I should set and forget so I don't disrupt the anaerobic bacteria that are denitrifying the water.

Every one I have had get solid areas that turn to rock in places where you cannot vacuum or stir it up.

Many reach a saturation point with detritus and no longer reduce nitrates like they used to.


Here is my real issue. Every DSB I have ever set up, all the coral outgrows the tank so there is no possibility of doing any maintenance.


So as far as how to maintain a healthy one? Keep your water as clean as possible, keep it stirred or vacuumed, you should keep one going a long time.

I get about 5 years before the tank is overgrown

 

[Subsea]

My present 75G Jaubert Plenumn on top with 30G Eco-system mud refugium on bottom has 10 years. Before I moved to Austin I had a similar set up for 20 years.

 

[billsreef]

What does one need to do to maintain a DSB? I have had one for about 4 years and I was under the impression that I should set and forget so I don't disrupt the anaerobic bacteria that are denitrifying the water.

Vacuuming a small portion of the substrate every few water changes will be adequate

For those claiming coral growth gets in the way, frag and give away some coral

 

[outy]

For those claiming coral growth gets in the way, frag and give away some coral

In 2010 I was giving frags away in this forum when my 100g outgrew.

I didn't like some of the people showing up.

Now "Youreef" in Roseville buys it all, I almost have more then he can handle used to be a sponsor here, maybe he still is. John is a good guy.

 

[cloak]

Just get off the couch and do the work... Put those filters/CUC to shame...

It's just that easy...