Sand bed

[DJKoop]

There are sure to be a few views on this topic. What I would like is the opinion of others on how deep of a sand bed to use on my 90 gal tank and if I should use a plenum.

[albert_dao]

I'll bite.

First, read this:

http://canreef.com/vbulletin/showthr...highlight=sand

Then read this:

http://canreef.com/vbulletin/showthr...highlight=sand

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Oh boy.

All I can say is from personal experience. I started out with a DSB and ended up sucking it all out and going BB. Not regretting it one bit :-)

Beyond that, I know nothing about plenums. Sorry!

[Reefer Rob]

In my new tank I went for 3/4" of sand just for looks. I plan to syphon it every water change just like a BB tank. After doing some reading it turns out DSBs cannot be properly maintained in Canada where the in-fauna is unobtainable.

[andresont]

I have 1/2 inch in my new 60 Gal just cycling and i think i will get rid of it because even with this small quantity, the sand bed consuming so much O2 that i almost need an Ozone reactor to get my ORP to proper levels.
So BB is my choice even thogh sand looks so good.

[kwirky]

what about sandbeds in sumps? what are people's experiences with that? I've heard mixed reviews either yay or nay, but not much explanation why for either way.

[phreezee]

I'm nay for sand. It's purely aesthetics. I didn't find it helped any in the sump either.

After trying sugar/vodka, I'll never need another de-nitrater!

[Reefer Rob]

I had a DSB in my refugium. When I took it off line nitrates went from 20ppm to 10ppm.

[DJKoop]

Thanks of the insight. I am leaning more to a BB tank now.