Remote DSB . . .any difference/advantage?

[Henry1]

I am contemplating on the idea of installing 2 large DSB remotely (6sq ft X 6 inch deep). They are meant to serve 6 shallow tanks for corals, SPS & LPS. Each coral tank is 24"(W)X36"(L)X12"(H)

Will a remote DSB be as efficient as one that is in-tank?

TIA

 

[danmhippo]

Yes, remotes are fine. As long as the nitrifying bacteria are concentrated in the sump with DSB (less to no sand in the main tank). The idea is for the anaerobic bacteria to be relatively close to the nitrifying bacteria where Nitrite is being converted to NO3. Anaerobic bacteria can use the freshly made NO3 and start breaking it down. Of course, surface area (square footage) of the DSBs should be proportional to the main tank. eg. a small DSB connecting to a 300G heavily stocked tank will not make a dent in the NO3 reduction.

 

[Bryan]

I utilize the remote DSB in my tank. the main tank has about a 1/2" layer of fine crushed coral and the refugium has a 5" to 6" layer of sugar sized sand. Works fine for me. I don't test for nitrates but no appreciable algae is present.

 

[DJ88]

Henry,

I do this with my system. I have a 6" DSB in my 30 refugium and another 6" DSB in my 45 sump. My main system is a 45 as well. I have seen major growths of various algaes in the refugium but no where near as much in the main tank. Just a few pieces of Bryposis. grrrr.

 

[beerbaron]

best advantage of remote dsb is that if it starts to crash down the road, which some say will happen, some not, it can be removed from the system and completly or partially replaced. also, there is little to no chaance of sand bed disturbance, normally due to fish or rock movement etc.

 

[Carpentersreef]

Keep your water turnover high, so that detritus doesn't have a chance to accumulate in your main tank. (otherwise, you'll soon have a sandbed of crap in your main tank! 8O :evil: )
That way, your remote DSB can really do it's job!

Mitch

 

[Henry1]

Dear all,
Thanks for the excellent sharing and tips.
I will go ahead as planned.

Cheers