Originally Posted by
Scopus Tang
http:///forum/post/2630730
I disagree Tim, there is actually quite a bit of documented evidence that a properly set up DSB (with or without a plenum) makes an improvement in the nitrate breakdown. If in fact, you could get, the benefits of a DSB without running one, FOWLR tanks would run at 0 nitrates ~ and they don't (Joe knows this very well, hence the massive thread on a DSB in his refugium;
https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/show...=316648&page=6). Joe is simply doing what he does best, despite his frequent claims to having only half a brain ~ making other people use theirs (I often wish my whole brain was half as sharp as Joe's half brain). As for viewing space and water volume, I guess I fail to understand the issue. In a larger deeper tank, the loss of six inches off the bottom (two or more of which are below the plastic band) is insignicant. In a smaller tank, having a raised sand bed brings everything closer to the light (hummm?!), and if properly set-up, the sand bed alone provides hours of viewing pleasure. Additionally, if properly set-up, the acidic zone in the bottom of your DSB is going to slowly break-down the CC and release carbon into your system (less dosing perhaps?). If you refer back to the original formula for a deep sandbed system, it was a plastic plenum (approx. 2 inches), 2 inches of cc or cc sand, and another 2 inches of fine (not sugar grain) sand (total, 6 inches). In fact the evidence quoted by Sprung claims that a properly set-up DSB system is as effective on its own if not moreso, than a "standard" system, with mechanic filtration and a protein skimmer. The problem arises, as Bangguy stated, when they are set-up or inproperly maintained. Now the real question that must be asked is, is a system with no nitrates at all, really a desirable goal. Recent studies on coralline (which is an algae) and coral growth (of some types of corals) indicates that growth rate and health of these corals is actually improved when some nitrates are present in the system (the ever popular zoanthids happen to be one such).
Very well said,
but as with anything I can find the alternate documentation that they don't do anything.
You would be correct in saying FOWLR tanks don't run 0 trates but how many are over stocked, overfed tanks and just have messy eaters? Two completely different things.
But yet some reef tanks do run undetectable trates w/o a DSB. You would think that w/o one all reef tanks would crash? I mean I don't have a fuge or a dsb and have undetectable trates. How can that be?
Now all that being said, I don't doubt that there are benefits to a DSB. I'm going to use a remote on my next tank.
But what I wonder is why an average hobbyist would want something that could possible go wrong in their DT. I mean look at the folks on this thread (besides me I'm a HACK
) you guys are far from an average hobbyists.
And how many times do we read about issues b/c someone just dumped a bunch of sand in the tank.
A 24" tank with 6" bed is 25%. I just think there's to many downsides to put a DSB in a display tank.
JMHO
Tim