Also, just for perspective, I had a 37 gal tank going for about 4 years when a power outtage devistated my critters. I gave away what was left and tore down my tank.
I had a 6"
DSB (which I wish I had in a
refugium because it was kinda nasty looking). When I started taking the sand out, the sand at about the 3" depth (half way down) and deeper looked just like it did the day I put the sand in! It didn't look like there was any biologic action in there at all. Of course, this was just with my naked eyes, but I was really suprised at how "clean" it was.
On the other hand, the sand at the top was teaming with worms and other critters. I gave a bunch of that away.
So, I guess what I'm saying is, even after 4 years, only half of my
DSB was "active." Now, I'm not sure what was happening down at the anoxic level, but it sure looked clean to me.
Anyone have any info or links to any
DSB studies and what exactly goes on near the bottom?
Oh, and one other thing. This was before I learned about stirring the sand in small areas from time to time to maintain the
DSB. At that time, one camp of thought was to never touch the
DSB. But we know better now, right?
