Converting NSDSB (not so deep sand bed) to DSB

[michaelp]

I have about an inch of sand in my display fuge. It has a few plants and rocks in it.

Would it be ok to just slowly add some sand in there until I get it a few inches deep?

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...~view~idProduct~CS0050~idCategory~FISSDS.html

Or is it wiser to remove the rocks and plants and everything else, put in the sand and then replace them? The tank is a few months old so everything is starting to grow real nice, but I need to convert it to a DSB.

 

[michaelp]

Actually, looks like the smaller grain size is probably better:
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...~view~idProduct~CS0930~idCategory~FISSDS.html

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/deepsandbeds.htm

 

[Bob 1000]

Smaller grains create a more compacted enviroment, good for anerobic zones.. But can become nutrient sink if not maintained..

 

[wschang812]

how do you maintain?

 

[Bob 1000]

Syphon out every once and a while and keep a over the top cleaner package,,lol..

 

[House of Laughter]

Previously posted by Pedro

http://www.ronshimek.com/deep_sand_beds.html

http://www.ronshimek.com/annelids.html

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/deepsandbeds.htm

http://www.reefland.com/rho/0105/main2.php

http://www.reefland.com/rho/1104/main.php

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-...ature/index.php


Last time I checked, the ocean had sand in it - pretty deep too. I made this statement in another lengthy thread by jackson, but can't seem to locate it BD, where are you when I need you

Enjoy the reading.

House

 

[ming]

You shouldn't have things digging into the sandbed like a sandsifting star in a DSB or gobies... at least from my knowledge. Smaller grain is better, because it has much more surface area, and you want anaerobic bacteria which are usually found in low oxygen area which would be lower in the DSB. Larger sand would get more flow through the sand and have more oxygen, same reason why you don't want something digging through it and eating the life out of the DSB.
the DSB wouldn't need to be replaced for a while, anywhere from a few years to 10+ years depending on your bioload, and when its time to do it, you would do it in sections by siphoning out which can be a headache which is why people tried the bucket of DSB technique.
But the average reefer has their setup only a number of years before breaking down, upgrading, or moving anyways, so most reefers won't even get to the replacing sand stage.

 

[fernandokng]

If I were to do this in my current sump in an established tank, do I just throw the sand in? Or do I need to cycle the sand first so I don't throw off the tank's equilibrium....

Also, how do you know when it's "time to replace" the dsb?

And lastly, how do you determine what is the surface area required to maintain a low nitrate environment? For example, a small dsb would be useless for a 200 gal tank...