I found that the DSB in a bucket was not as effective as it was claimed to be. In 6 months 60lbs of aragonite in a 8gallon bucket did not touch my nitrate levels anywhere near the same level as was done with growing cheato in a wee little aquaclear lit by 2 9w PC's.
I'm not saying it's useless, but I am saying that I tried it, exactly as was suggested in that thread listed at RC, and I found the results vastly underwhelming compared to the promises made therein. Perhaps my tank had a problem that counter acted the benefits but nobody was able to offer any solid suggestions. Tank is now tore down anyhow so it's a moot point, but just thought I'd throw my experience out there.
You can still try it of course, the theory is solid. Nitrate buildup is a result of the balance between that which produces nitrates and that which consumes or reduces nitrate (be it water changes, skimming, nutrient absorption, whatever). A DSB should have nitrate reducing ability so adding a DSB should theoretically help, but I find a 5g or 8g salt bucket doesn't give you enough surface area to truly be an optimal method. I think 60 lbs. of aragonite 4" deep over a larger surface area (so say a sump or remote shallow tank or something like that) would be far superior to 60lbs of aragonite 15" deep over a 12" diameter circular surface area (or whatever it is those buckets are). It's just that the bucket is cheap and everyone has hundreds of them so why not put them to use. But it's just not the optimal use of the idea.
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-- Tony
My next hobby will be flooding my basement while repeatedly banging my head against a brick wall and tearing up $100 bills. Whee!
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06-21-2006, 05:23 PM
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