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Unread 09/27/2009, 03:56 PM   #1
JStraz4991
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Deep sand bed or shallow?

What do you guys think is the best way to go a deep sand bed or shallow.its goin to be a FOWLR and later on in the future i am going to add coral.


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Unread 09/27/2009, 04:04 PM   #2
Playa-1
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Both, A shallow sand bed in the tank and a remote DSB.


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Unread 09/27/2009, 04:12 PM   #3
JStraz4991
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im not goin to have a sump thats in the future


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Unread 09/27/2009, 04:13 PM   #4
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Thats how we all start off too. Fish only with live rock, and then we add corals. No, but seriously, i say shalow, i think a dsb looks disgusting when it gets covered with algae. Thats just an opinion though, i went BB and dont regret it a bit!


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Unread 09/27/2009, 04:19 PM   #5
JStraz4991
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would a 3 inch sand bed be suffiecent


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Unread 09/27/2009, 04:23 PM   #6
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i think i am going to do a 1-2" sand bed in my tank.


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Unread 09/27/2009, 04:25 PM   #7
JStraz4991
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what about i have 2 inch sand bed and have 60- 70 punds of live rock.i have a 40 gallon breeder


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Unread 09/27/2009, 07:49 PM   #8
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1-2 inches, shallow for me.


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Unread 09/27/2009, 07:50 PM   #9
JStraz4991
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ok thanks i thinks thats what ill do


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Unread 09/27/2009, 08:12 PM   #10
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You're probably better off going with a shallow sand bed.


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Unread 09/27/2009, 09:12 PM   #11
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A SSB is the best, add a RDSB if you start having nitrate problems. I do about 1" of Caribsea Seafloor Grade over starboard, and it does not blow around at all. Whenever I blast my rocks with a powerhead, at least once a month, I blow all the sand with it to clear out any detritus.


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Unread 09/28/2009, 12:19 AM   #12
iceman79
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i agree DSB looks crappy in time SSB is the way to go


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Unread 09/28/2009, 06:30 AM   #13
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2"... no more.


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Unread 09/28/2009, 02:26 PM   #14
JStraz4991
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ok thanks for the help guys i think 2 inches is what ill do.and what about live rock du you think 60-70 pounds is good for a 40 gallon


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Unread 09/28/2009, 03:08 PM   #15
uncleof6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JStraz4991 View Post
would a 3 inch sand bed be suffiecent
3" is not deep enough for a DSB to operate properly. The minimum is 4", and a range of 4" - 6" is most common. Most of the negatives (anecdotal) I read on DSBs are due to improper set up, and improper operation of the in tank DSB. It is not hard to properly set up an IN TANK DSB, you simply have to do it the right way. Things that need to be considered are the grain size used, and the flow rates in the tank, to name two. The DSB has to be "seeded" with the right type of critters, (packaged "live" sand is not good enough-- nor is most available "live rock." It must be fed and matured prior to adding "predetors" that feed on sand bed life, or the populations will never reach a sufficient number. (Just some examples) Like I said, it is not hard, you just have to approach it methodically. There is a right way and a wrong way.

A properly running DSB (in tank) will not have diatoms blooms on the surface (save new tank syndrome-- which self corrects) and the surface will be clean and "white." A THIN layer of Larger gravel/shell mix (caribsea grand bahamas or super reef) will keep the oolitic sand from blowing around the tank, and also provide building materials for burrowing fish to build their homes.

In tank DSBs have been in use since the 1960's, and have singley (along with "protein skimming" and live rock) been the most successful method of keeping what is known today as the "reef tank."

RDSBs can aid in the balance of the system, however it is removed from the main food chain. In a marine system "EVERYTHING" that is organic based, is a food source. (That may be too encompassing, but it is the idea, if not specifically so)

Regards,

Jim


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Unread 09/03/2010, 04:13 AM   #16
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I made the mistake of making a DSB of 5-6" in tank. Now it's full of algae and other gunk. For my new tank I'm targetting 2-2.5".


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Unread 11/14/2010, 02:43 AM   #17
newyorkstyles
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Educational Video on Deep Sand Beds

Here are 2 educational videos illustrating a brand new deep sand bed, as well as a mature deep sand bed on 2 separate systems. I hope these videos help you guys understand deep sand beds better.






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Unread 11/14/2010, 04:23 PM   #18
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There's a lot of personal choice involved. This thread might help:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=803688


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Unread 11/14/2010, 05:40 PM   #19
Dustin1300
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I'd say go SSB with a good amount of live rock


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Unread 12/07/2010, 08:32 PM   #20
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Newyorkstyles, thanks for those video's. Question as I'm gathering up what I need to set up a new 265 gallon tank...can I do a shallow sand bed in the display tank and a deep sand bed in the fuge and get the same benefits?

Thanks
Joe


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Unread 12/07/2010, 08:42 PM   #21
Angel*Fish
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Quote:
Originally Posted by uncleof6 View Post
3" is not deep enough for a DSB to operate properly. The minimum is 4", and a range of 4" - 6" is most common. Most of the negatives (anecdotal) I read on DSBs are due to improper set up, and improper operation of the in tank DSB. It is not hard to properly set up an IN TANK DSB, you simply have to do it the right way. Things that need to be considered are the grain size used, and the flow rates in the tank, to name two. The DSB has to be "seeded" with the right type of critters, (packaged "live" sand is not good enough-- nor is most available "live rock." It must be fed and matured prior to adding "predetors" that feed on sand bed life, or the populations will never reach a sufficient number. (Just some examples) Like I said, it is not hard, you just have to approach it methodically. There is a right way and a wrong way.

A properly running DSB (in tank) will not have diatoms blooms on the surface (save new tank syndrome-- which self corrects) and the surface will be clean and "white." A THIN layer of Larger gravel/shell mix (caribsea grand bahamas or super reef) will keep the oolitic sand from blowing around the tank, and also provide building materials for burrowing fish to build their homes.




Regards,

Jim
I never understand why people say they are high maintenance and problematic - all they need is the right depth, proper sand, and occasional "reseeding" . I can understand people not caring for the look, though. But personally I enjoy observing all that life in the tank. Lower maintenance than other sand beds inho.


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Unread 12/07/2010, 09:10 PM   #22
Mike P
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I have a DSB that I love a lot. It only gave me a problem once right after the cycle, but it corrected itself.

My advice is do some major research on both and find which one suits YOU the best. It really doesn't matter either way.


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