DSB, Be or not to be... What do I do?

[fmzamoranod]

I just got into the Salt Water hobby about 6 months ago and got a very simple system with only fish in it.

I am looking for how I can improve it and one of the things I've been reading about recently is Deep Sand Beds.

However, being a begginer in this, I am confused as whether or not this is good.

I've read very positive things about it (specially from Dr. Shimek) but also some really strong opinions about it being risky (for example the risk of hydrogen sulfide).

What is the general position in this discussion forum about DSB's?

What other alternatives do you guys recommend to have a sustainable system over a long term?

Thanks, Regards!

 

[esmithiii]

I would never do saltwater without one. 4-6".

Ernie

 

[cubera]

2-3 inches is fine.

 

[esmithiii]

To really be effective at reducing nitrates, it should be at least 4". I see all kinds of life in mine after 6 months.

Ernie

 

[fmzamoranod]

Thanks a lot for the quick responses!!

Ernie, Did you follow Dr. Shimek's procedure to set up a DSB(or similar)? (sugar size grains, seed it, clean crew, etc..)

How do you feel about the hydrogen sulfide (hs)?

I also read that a "plenum" (What the heck is that?) would help in reducing the hs risk? Is that correct? Is that "compatible" with a DSB?

What else would you put in the tank at a minimum? (skimmer, external filtration, ....)?

Thanks again!!!

 

[esmithiii]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr> Ernie, Did you follow Dr. Shimek's procedure to set up a DSB(or similar)? (sugar size grains, seed it, clean crew, etc..)

<hr></blockquote>

More or less. I used southdown, I did not seed it per se, but I did use some sand from an established tank, and I added a TON of LR. I am not sure what he says about a cleanup crew.

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote

How do you feel about the hydrogen sulfide (hs)?

I feel it is a gas. I haven't had problems.

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote

I also read that a "plenum" (What the heck is that?) would help in reducing the hs risk? Is that correct? Is that "compatible" with a DSB?

A plenum is a DSB over some dead space created by a permeable membrane that keeps critters and sand out of the dead space. I personally am skeptical and wary of the dangers, not to mention it is a PITA to set up.

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote

What else would you put in the tank at a minimum? (skimmer, external filtration, ....)?

Skimmer, no other external filtration. I recommend a GOOD skimmer.

These are just MY opinions, and MY recipe for success.

Ernie

 

[esmithiii]

Picard:

¿Otra cosa, eres Chilango?

 

[914]

i'll second esmithiii's responses.

i've never had anything but luck with DSB, and 4" is about right.

I've got about 5" in a 75, and as esmithiii, i've never really 'seeded' it, just added rock.

tons of little critters, and nitrates have been undetectable, even at the chem lab at school.


i do use a DAS BX2 skimmer, which some folks say is 'good'

imo, the only danger from hydrogen sulfide happens if there's dead pockets in the bed, from whence there is no exit. in other words, spaces under the sand that may trap gas. if you use PVC under-support for your LR, this risk is elimated.... but, i never did this, and have never had a problem. i think it's probably much more likely to happen in a plenum system than in a straight DSB, but i've got no real basis for that feeling.

 

[wasabi]

i can answer that question only from my own experience. 2-3 inches will sustain your aquatic life i have a tank with a 2 inch sandbed it sustains life as far as being alive i guess it has some beneficial bacteria. it stays loosely packed and is eaily disturbed.the nitrates hover around 10-20. i see no real life in it. tank is 2 years old. i have another tank with a 6 inch sandbed.it has multicolered laYERS in the sand. it has worm trails by the hundredsthe tank has 0 nitrates and i feed heavily. if i had to choose id do all my tanks with a 5-6 inch bed to me the tank just seems a lot more stable.

 

[fmzamoranod]

Ernie, yes.. I am from Mexico City..

Thanks all for the responses. Right now I have a CC substrate with an UGF with two PHs.

I have some trouble with algae that I guess might be produced by high nitrates and/or phosphates. So I am considering to modify my tank to a DSB based system.

I currently have (I know.. crazy things that only happen to beginers) 11 damsels of five different species, so the process should be difficult. Any recommendations? (I already read an article on migrating to a DSB which gives some insight on the procedure...)

Any other input will be appreciated.

Regards.

 

[esmithiii]

Check out these links:

http://www.reefs.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=029053

http://www.reefs.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=034438

You won't regrett making the change.

Ernie

 

[fmzamoranod]

Ernie! Thanks!

Actually, the link I put in my previous reply would take you to Fish Whisperer's article.

Now, I have one extra question that is not addressed there... What do I do with my UGF once take the CC out? If I am leaving my fish in there... wouldn't be risky or too complex?

Thanks...

El Chilango!

 

[esmithiii]

Hmmm. That is a complication. You will definitely want to do a rather large water change and monitor your water parameters for another cycle.

Ernie