I know the benefits of a DSB and know that if I use one in my Nano 12 it will diminish the volume. Where is the cut off point for DSBs? Is it 6 inches? Doesn't it depend on the substrate thickness that is used? It would make sense that a larger granule would impede the anoxic layer that I think is responsible for the conversion of Nitrate to free nitrogen (please someone correct me if I am off!) If that is true, then will a 3 inch sandbed not work at all or work less efficiently than a 6 inch? I guess what I am trying to say is that is a 6 inch sand bed absolutely necessary for this anoxic layer to form, or will 3, 4 or 5 inches do less of an efficient job? Also, one of the LFS people told me that I have to place my live rock directly on the glass and then pour the sand around it if I am going to have a SSB so that I can move the sand around and clean it. Looking forward to some clarification on this one! Thanks.
IMHO, a 3-4 in DSB would work great. Like you said, the anoxic layer is the last layer of the sand bed that takes the part of converting nitrites into a gas so that it can mostly leave the tank. It is the lowest layer of sand in the tank and it is pretty much void of oygen. The granual size is important for providing the right environment for the little critters that make up the layers of a sand bed that process the toxins. Its important to have a diverse group of critters in the sand bed so that all layers are functioning properly. So, my two cent's would be to put a lot of thought into the granual size and shoot for a 3-4" DSB.
As far as placing the rock directly on the glass, a lot of people place their rock on segments of pvc pipe to give their rock work stability and then they pour the sand around that to cover up the pipe. This would allow you to still clean the sand and also balance your rocks.
Sorry I couldn't be more help. Again, its great to have ya here.
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"Corals require an aquarium, seawater at the right temperature and salinity, waterf flow, light, food, bicarbonate/buffer, and calcium. Period. No other equipment, apparatus, magic potions, pills, voodoo, prayer, or other sacrafices are necessary." -Eric Borneman
I did, great stuff! Is there a middle ground with a three inch sand bed? Do you get some benfits of a DSB if your grain size is very small (i.e. not allowing much water flow?) Just some thoughts.
yes, using fine sand is recommend (if not required) for a good DSB.
also, as mentioned in the podcast, water does not "flow" through the sand bed as it would through LR or something. its diffused and moved as the critters in the sand bed move around.
another reason why its important to have lots of sand bed critters.
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Is there a minimum depth for a DSB? What I mean is, if I keep a 3 inch Sand Bed, will it have an anoxic layer? Maybe not as efficient as a 6 inch bed? Just curious. Thanks,
Reaching my 70th BD, I realize that I cannot help but grow old. However, I refuse to grow up!!! My wife would tell you, "He may be 70 but, He's going on 17". Life is wonderful with a woman like that.
I keep a light (1-2") layer of sand...it acts to stop some nitrate accumulation, but isn't as "controversial" as a DSB. YOu gotta remember, thre is no "algorithm" for this hobby! My reccomendation would be to use a REALLY fine sand and go with 3" to see how it works out for you! You could always add more or take some away (just do it slowly!)
just to clarify... nitrate is a byproduct from certain bacteria.
as detrius builds up it is consumed by this bacteria and produces nitrates.. so with the SSB, you need to have some way to export these excess nutrients (that a DSB would normally do)
this means that you need additional filtration, water changes, substrate vacuuming, etc.
im not saying that a DSB is the best way, but if you choose a SSB (or a BB), you have to make sure you have a way to export the excess nutrients so you dont have excess nitrates.
you are right that there is no "right" way to do it
each method has there own caveats and requires different care and maintenance. IMO i feel that the DSB is the easiest, most stable, and most natural, but again, this is only my opinion
i have done SSB (2-3") and DSB (4-5"), and i have found that the DSB are far more stable.. but this is only my experience with my setups...
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Yeah...it's funny the opinions, and the results. I have seen DSB systems that are amazing! and SSB systems that are amazing! And I've seen both survive long term, and both crash!
I think either one requires an understanding of the basic husbandry requirements of the tank and its inhabitants. Additionally, there are some "idiosyncracies" of each system that must be addressed. If you don't meet those needs or follow a maintenance/stocking regimen that is better for a SSB and try it with a DSB, you may be in trouble, or vice-versa. Doing what you're doing and researching/getting advice is the best thing you can do on this subject, especially something so controversial as this.
In my opinion (and my opinion only), in a nano, a DSB isn't needed as you should be doing enough WC's to not need the extra DSB. I keep a shallow bed and always have. My tanks have been pretty good (my husbandry has lacked in the past, and I've overstocked in the past, but I'm getting better with that!) I also think in a nano, the DSB's take up way too much viewing area, and water volume. In a 50 gallon tank or bigger, the 4-6" DSB isn't much in terms of volume. In a 10-12 gallon tank, you're taking up about 1/5 of the water volume in substrate! That's just how I look at it...again, no right or wrong way here. Just take the information that makes sense to you, and prioritize your needs, and go from there.
I hope I'm not just muddying the water aimlessly repeating myself. And I don't mean to disagree with a great moderator/host here either. I'm just trying to present a different viewpoint.
I think either one requires an understanding of the basic husbandry requirements of the tank and its inhabitants. Additionally, there are some "idiosyncracies" of each system that must be addressed. If you don't meet those needs or follow a maintenance/stocking regimen that is better for a SSB and try it with a DSB, you may be in trouble, or vice-versa. Doing what you're doing and researching/getting advice is the best thing you can do on this subject, especially something so controversial as this.
exactly!!!!
i couldn't have said it better myself.
i have not done a true nano, so i cant say one way or the other... but the point you made is the point i always try to get across. both work, both can be very successful, both can fail...
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