Will a deep sandbed raise nitrates?

[shabreeson]

what are the pros and cons of a deep sand bed?

 

[corbett_n]

it should aid in beneficial bacteria production, but isn't the only choice. A con to me is the dirt and algae that build up on the front glass of a deep sand bed. It looks terrible and is hard to clean without disturbing the sand bed. I have a shallow sand bed and everything is going great

 

[russy pelican]

The very purpose of a deep sand bed is to lower nitrates. If maintained properly, it will do a great job at it.

 

[shabreeson]

great news, thanks

 

[xcreonx]

how deep of a sandbed are you thinking? A true deep sand bed is pretty deep and needs to be to function properly.

 

[shabreeson]

4 inches deep enough?

 

[seapug]

4" is borderline. I think 6" is generally considered the minimum for truly effective denitrification.

 

[shabreeson]

now that puts a hole in the pocket

 

[Chibils]

Put it in the sump, or remotely in a bucket.

 

[cd77]

The sand you choose is just as important, if not more so, than the depth:

http://www.ronshimek.com/Deep Sand Beds.htm
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-06/rs/feature/index.php