is this really true!?!?!

[bentrue]

i was told that a DSB will get stagnant underneath the surface. this stagnant sand will go anerobic and will eventually turn to sulfur which can destroy the tank. is this accurate information?
also as a part of this, i was told a solution to this was a UGF, but i know that can't be true with a DSB.
this came up because there is a small patch of my sand that is against the glass that is turning to a different color (not white) under the surface.
any information would be great! thanks!

 

[bammbamm74]

I wouldn't think so being that the ocean's floor is deeper than your tank and it's not seeping sulfur.

 

[luke]

Yes technacally it is true. But if you have creatures slowly turning the sand over this will not become a problem.
I would venture to say that there are hydrogen sulfide pockets underneath the ocean floor. The Ocean is so imense that it does not matter though.
Luke

 

[dburr]

The whole point of a DSB is to complete the nitrate process. Nitrate turns into a gas and bubbles out of your tank. It won't leach into your water unless you disturb the sand bed itself. If you turn over the sand (1" or deeper) that will not be good. You may smell the sulfer oder. The normal grazing of snails and such are not a problem.
A UGF is IMO old school. And your right it will not work with a DSB. The slots are to small to work like a plenum and to have a lift tube, it would be a sand storm in your tank.
I have brown spots, black spots and bubbles againts my glass. I know it's working. <img src="graemlins//angel.gif" border="0" alt="[angel]" />
HTH

 

[teetee]

Yes, I too have all sorts of spots, lines and patches in my dsb. Thats a good sign! That is why we refer to the sand as being live!. It is actually quite amazing to see. Some refer to the activity that occurs in the sandbed to be unsightly. I am transfixed by it. Totally awesome to see all the critters in action.

 

[nm reef]

you suggested we post any information possible so here goes...happy reading!!
<a href="http://www.rshimek.com/reef/sediment.htm" target="_blank">DSB</a>
<a href="http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1999/june/features/1/default.asp" target="_blank">more DSB</a>
<a href="http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1999/may/features/2/default.asp" target="_blank">Some more DSB</a>
<a href="http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1998/oct/features/2/default.asp" target="_blank">& more DSB info</a>

 

[yammer]

There is a great little book called "Sand Bed Secrets" by Ron Shminek. He discusses DSB's in general and addresses the fear of hydrogen sulfide poisoning. He states that the likelyhood of this ever reaching dangerous levels is very remote and even more so if your inhabitants (worms, snails, stars, etc) do a job of turning the sand over.
The book is short and very inexpensive and available at amazon. Have a read and see what you think.

 

[fshhub]

the first half is correct, it does form anaerobic areas, but this is whta you want EXACTLY, to house the bacteria that finish oout the nitrate cycle,a nd forms nitrogen gas taht then bubbles out of the water, and leaves behind nothing
as for sulfide pockets, i don't think i have ever actuallyheard of anyone getting them in an aquarium
now, who told you this, an lfs?? sounds like it, being as it went to a ugf sale, lol, if not, sorry but just curious, becase it sounds much like the same stuff i hear too