Sand bed

Doug · #1 01-31-2007, 02:10 PM

First my comments on plenums are in regards to running them correctly, as Jaubert intended and not the other dozen different ways aquarists have tried, some with success but most failing.

Second if dsb does not work, have a look at the coral growth in Nigel,s FTOTM and Quinn,s tank in the journal forum.

Both of these aquarists have run dsb,s for some time. I cant speak for them but both have told me its part of their success.

Point being, they all work if done correct and properly maintained for that particular type of system.

Reefer Rob · #2 01-31-2007, 03:52 PM

Remember, Jaubert used only live sand from the Red Sea in his tanks. Makes all the difference if you can get live in-fauna. The crap that came out of my sand when I sucked it out after 2 years of running a DSB was something awful

Doug · #3 01-31-2007, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefer Rob

Remember, Jaubert used only live sand from the Red Sea in his tanks. Makes all the difference if you can get live in-fauna. The crap that came out of my sand when I sucked it out after 2 years of running a DSB was something awful

Again, thats a dsb, as compared with a plenum. I do agree with the need for getting the correct livestock for both fine sandbeds & plenums. Most of Jaubert,s system were open to the sea, so they are not really comparable also. However he did run some closed systems. I,m not sure how the detritus accumulation would be in 5mm sized gravel. Seems to be less build up than in finer sandbeds, for whatever reason. I assume it has to do with it being broken down. Plus with my described idea, its easily siphon cleaned. The dividing screen would keep the bottom portion secure.

I will find Sprung,s article for here.

BCOrchidGuy · #4 02-01-2007, 01:36 AM

If a person did decide to go with a DSB is there a rule of thumb as to what livestock you'd want to introduce? I like snails, I think they do a fine job of keeping a sand bed clean as do Kole tangs and a number of other fish. I remember reading 1-2 snails per gallon but recently saw 2 per 10 gallons the later seems a bit weak to me. I really don't know which way to go I love the look of sand however a BB would be nice as well once the glass gets covered in coraline algae.

Still undecided and getting closer to adding water...

Doug