Is it okay to put a DSB in the sump?

[chris009]

I was wanting to do this because I want more space in my 90 gallon. I was just wondering if there is a problem with doing this. Thanks

 

[saltn00b]

many people put DSB in there fuge. i for one do that.

 

[farslayer]

No problem at all, a lot of fuges have a DSB.

 

[chris009]

Since my sump will probably be around 40 gallons( is this okay?), the amount of volume that the DSB has will be significantly less than if I put it in the upper tank. Will the decrease in volume decrease the benifit of a DSB?

 

[farslayer]

Sure, it won't be as effective, but the truth is that with a fuge with a DSB and lots of macroalgaes will likely take care of your nitrate problems. If not, upgrade the fuge

 

[chris009]

If the number of inches in the DSB is higher, does that allow more denitrification to take place? If this is true, then I assume it would be best to get a DSB of 5-6 inches in the sump for the best usage of the DSB.

 

[farslayer]

I can't recall what the usual depth is, but more depth does not help. You're going to get a zone in the sand bed where nitrate is converted to nitrogen gas. If you make a sand bed much deeper, you're simply moving this zone further from the bottom of the tank.