how large should a DSB be?

[fishnerd1]

I'm working on design for a 245g build and am considering putting a DSB in part of my sump. DT will be 72X30X26. I don't want to loose space in the DT. How large should the DSB area in the sump be to obtain the benefit in nitrate conversion? I've seen a few DSB set-up in sumps but noone really says how to equate DSB area/volume for various tank sizes.

Also how do you minimize the risk of H2S production?

[Flippers4pups]

I believe it's 4" to 5".

[wmdick_2007]

The larger the better : http://www.ronshimek.com/deep_sand_beds.html

[billdogg]

For my 150DT, i use a 120g tank as refugium. It has a 6"DSB, LR, and Cheato. Bottom line - bigger the better, minimum depth of 4". To avoid problems, leave it alone!

[johnike]

180 DT has four inch bed, refugium has a 7 inch deep bed.

[Camel413]

Not to hijack the thread just a question to add to it.

Where in the sump is the best place to put a DSB. I have thought about my small fuge area about 12" X 24" or putting the sand in a 5 gallon bucket in the stock tank. Dont know which way to go.

[wmdick_2007]

More info on DSB : http://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic59558-13-1.aspx

Not just sand, need critters, and time to mature --- never need to take it down !

Read the stickies here at Reef Central also.

Camel413 --- wherever you have the best flow.

There are many views of DSB's and RDSB's --- the above articles are good --- like anything related to aquaria, research and decide if it is right for you.

[Angel*Fish]

Definitely read R.Shimek's article above as well as what Athony Calfo has to say. Lots of people try them without a full understanding and then wind up unahppy dsb bashers. There aren't that many rules, but if you don't follow them, it's just waste. I like to say it's like having a Ferrari and never taking it out of the driveway.

As to your specific question, I believe Shimek's is a 40g, but I think I read once that he said no less than a 30g footprint. The smaller they are, the harder it is to maintain the populations.

[fishnerd1]

Thanks for the insight and links/direction to more info. As with everything else in this hobby the more you can read the better decision you can make since there is no real cook book answer to anything.