How thick should my sand bed be and why?
- Thread starter kyarnkid
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trigahappynigerog
Member
you can have as deep a sand bed that you find pleasing. a 4 is a dsb. you can also add a plenum.
bobothewizard
Member
There are basically 2 ways you can go about sand beds. One that is called a DSB(Deep sand bed). In this sandbed the optimum highth of the sand bed is typically 3-4 inches. The reason it is so deep is to help with the nitrification process that occurs in the sand bed. Once you have a 3-4" sand bed you will notice little bubbles on and in the sand bed, this is the nitrification process taking place in your tank. This method is a nice easy way to have bilogical filtration take place in your tank. One of the only drawbacks, IMO, with this is you get to see about 2-3 inches of sand when you look at the front of the aquarium, which gets kinda funky coloring once its in there for a while.
The next type of sand bed you can have is used in relation to a new sump system out called the "ecosystem" which they sell on https://www.saltwaterfish.com. Its a more expensive setup but man does it work great. Heres the laydown on it.
When using a ecosystem sump in conjunction with a reef tank you will only want about 3/4 of a inch of sand in your tank. Instead of the nitrification process taking place in the tank its actually taking place in the sump. The Ecosystem Filtration Method is based on the principles of ecology and is a natural filtration system that simulates the environment found in coral reefs. It does not require a Protein Skimmer or activated carbon to purify the water. It keeps the water well oxygenated through the photosynthesis of Caulerpa and entirely eliminates the need for air pumps. Caulerpa can also be harvested and used as fresh, natural food for fish. In addition, Caulerpa prevents the growth of undesired hair algae by competing for essential nutrients. The EcoSystem Filtration Method uses the end products of fish metabolism and fixes them into plant tissue, therefore preventing the accumulation of harmful ammonia, nitrites and nitrates, and stabilizes the pH. By maintaining a clean environment, the EcoSystem Filtration Method keeps fish healthy and their colors vibrant. Furthermore, we have discovered through our research, that our filtration system helps prevent and even cures lateral line disease.
Whew im done now
[ December 12, 2001: Message edited by: Bobothewizard ]
The next type of sand bed you can have is used in relation to a new sump system out called the "ecosystem" which they sell on https://www.saltwaterfish.com. Its a more expensive setup but man does it work great. Heres the laydown on it.
When using a ecosystem sump in conjunction with a reef tank you will only want about 3/4 of a inch of sand in your tank. Instead of the nitrification process taking place in the tank its actually taking place in the sump. The Ecosystem Filtration Method is based on the principles of ecology and is a natural filtration system that simulates the environment found in coral reefs. It does not require a Protein Skimmer or activated carbon to purify the water. It keeps the water well oxygenated through the photosynthesis of Caulerpa and entirely eliminates the need for air pumps. Caulerpa can also be harvested and used as fresh, natural food for fish. In addition, Caulerpa prevents the growth of undesired hair algae by competing for essential nutrients. The EcoSystem Filtration Method uses the end products of fish metabolism and fixes them into plant tissue, therefore preventing the accumulation of harmful ammonia, nitrites and nitrates, and stabilizes the pH. By maintaining a clean environment, the EcoSystem Filtration Method keeps fish healthy and their colors vibrant. Furthermore, we have discovered through our research, that our filtration system helps prevent and even cures lateral line disease.
Whew im done now
[ December 12, 2001: Message edited by: Bobothewizard ]
D
diatom
Guest
Bobo~
You forgot to mention a plenium.
Also a deep sand bed should be a minimum of 4 inches and as deep as 6. Anything over that the benefits are neglible.
The benefits of the DSB are it's biological filtering capabilities.
The Ecosystem you mentioned is really just a modified refugium with the Macro algae absorbing the nutrients from the tank. It's supposed to be quite affective, but is also amazingly expensive.
Also if you put the Macro back into your tank to feed your fish you will release the nutrients that it absorbed back into your system, defeating the purpose of the algae.
You forgot to mention a plenium.
Also a deep sand bed should be a minimum of 4 inches and as deep as 6. Anything over that the benefits are neglible.
The benefits of the DSB are it's biological filtering capabilities.
The Ecosystem you mentioned is really just a modified refugium with the Macro algae absorbing the nutrients from the tank. It's supposed to be quite affective, but is also amazingly expensive.
Also if you put the Macro back into your tank to feed your fish you will release the nutrients that it absorbed back into your system, defeating the purpose of the algae.
S
schroder_reef
Guest
So what happens if you have the ecosystem and a DSB??????
Ambie
Ambie