DSB going to BB?

[xxnonamexx]

I have a 55gal reef and a 4" DSB from fine sand to course crushed coral to fine sand to top it off. I read so much about a BB. I know the looks of a BB won't be as appealing but I think my tank will benefit w/o the sand. I recently purchased a RO/DI unit and also add Bionic and I feel the next stage is to remove the sand. What does everyone think? I know there are so many pros and cons about this topic but those that have a BB how successful have you been with it? Thanks

 

[Deanos]

What livestock is in your tank now? How will you address detritus accumulation? What benefits are you anticipating by removing the sand? Be aware that going BB is not a "stage", but a different approach to reefkeeping.

 

[scarf_ace1981]

all this talk about DSB and BB. i firmly believe in a 2-2.5" SB. this way i don't have to worry about my tank crashing or having it look a bit akward or unrealistic w/ no sand.

 

[nanoreefer22]

One of the big questions is do you have the proper equipment to maintain a BB tank?
Also what's making you want to change?
Are you having trouble with the current set up?
-Kris

 

[marrone]

Just like Kris said, why are you making the change? If your current setup is working why do you feel you need to make the change.

And like everyone has stated if you go BB you need to make sure you have the proper equipment and setup. This also goes for BSB or SB you need to make sure you have the proper equipment of inverts to make it work.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

If you don't do it gradually you could also shock the hell out of your tank

 

[xxnonamexx]

http://flickr.com/photos/59422509@N00/ Take a look at the few page sto see my setup. My friend has alot of coralline algae using BB with RO and I can't get any. I have a 55 gal, a MAG7 return pump, Compact Reef Devil skimmer, 3 Powerheads Aqua 1200 I think they changed the model #. I know the RO/DI will greatly benefit. I heard the DSB holds alot of Nitrates down and Nitrogen I am afraid of a crash.

 

[Deanos]

Your friend has coralline algae because his system parameters (for ex: light, calcium, alkalinity and water flow) are conducive to coralline growth. It's not because his tank is BB and he uses RO water.

You're correct the RO/DI is better than tap water, even though you didn't say it.

People use DSBs to keep nitrate levels down. What you may have heard, was that crushed coral can create alot of nitrates :scratch: A DSB crash, however, is something to be concerned about. I say do some more research on DSB crashes.

 

[xxnonamexx]

So you don't think I should convert to BB? I think the DSB takes away alot of swim space for a 55 gal. I read about the nitrate crashes. My water parameters are excellent and have always been I tested them daily I do weekly 10% water changes. I see in LFS BB only.

 

[xxnonamexx]

So what do you think about me switching to BB?

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

I have a 55 and a 1.5-2 inch sand bed and I have plenty of swimming room. If you just take the sand out too quickly you could kill everything in your tank.

 

[nanoreefer22]

If theres nothing wrong don't make the change. You should list your equipment so we can help you determine if you would even have the means neccessary to convert to and run a BB tank.

If you're changing just because you want coralline growth, with BB you aren't guranteed coralline growth.

 

[barebucta]

So what do you think about me switching to BB?

I think you can apply the saying "why fix what's not broken" to your situation. I've learned what may work for one person may not necessarily work for another. Prepare for the worse and hope for the best if you "tamper" with your current setup. I personally prefer the DBS because it's more realistic and eye appealing, it help with buffering etc... I'm still new to this reefing stuff and learning just like the next guy. If you get a good clean up crew they keep your sand spick and span. As long as you don't disturb the sand bed, you shouldn't have any tank crashes. Good Luck!

 

[nanoreefer22]

As long as you don't disturb the sand bed, you shouldn't have any tank crashes.

Not entirely true, I'll find the thread on this. Eventually it comes to the point where the sandbed is actually competing with itself causing it to crash.

 

[loismustdie]

There are beenfits to both. I'm big on DSB. To avoid repeating it, take a look at this thread http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/reefs-beginners/12993-deep-sand-bed.html Read the whole thread.
Going RO is the first step to better water quality. I can tell you that you're LR and sand have probably taking in a lot of phosphate which will lead to a crash, not a DSB.
Also, why did you modify your bed by using different sizes of substrate? A leading cause of sand bed failures is modifying it's original design.
You will also see Timber point out something similar to what you dislike which is the amount of fish/coral room taken away by the DSB... not much you can do about that.

 

[cali_reef]

I think the DSB takes away alot of swim space for a 55 gal.

Get a bigger tank if you think there is not enough room for the fish with a DSB.

You never said what you are keeping in the tank, fish only? soft coral? LPS? SPS? Many people have a successful reef tank with DSB, I had a 7" DSB in my old 150 gallon tank, corals was growing out of water, talk about lack of swimming room for the fish.

I think a DSB is the last thing I would guess is causing lack of coraline algae growth in your tank.

 

[plb]

I'd say no to BB. Sand not only makes it look more realistic but it adds to the overall quality of the tank.

 

[nanoreefer22]

I'd say no to BB. Sand not only makes it look more realistic but it adds to the overall quality of the tank.

Could you explain a little more on what the "overall quality of the tank" is that BB cannot provide?

 

[Deanos]

Could you explain a little more on what the "overall quality of the tank" is that BB cannot provide?

Fauna that lives exclusively in sandbeds (SSB/DSB) for example. Some reefers believe that this fauna contributes to the plankton some corals feed upon.

 

[nanoreefer22]

Fauna that lives exclusively in sandbeds (SSB/DSB) for example. Some reefers believe that this fauna contributes to the plankton some corals feed upon.

LoL Thanks Dean it all makes sense now :teeth: