'Jaubert' Sand Setup

[reeferx]

I have been reading a lot of posts on this site about sand, but I have yet to read one specifically relating to the 'Jaubert' method? Does anyone here have this setup? Perhaps you have read the 'sand mail' column in 'Freshwater And Marine Aquarium' magazine?
I am a newbie to this forum, but I am surprised. I thought more people would be incorporating this setup by now.
If you don't know what I am talking about, you could read a short summary on the link below. If you are using this setup, I would love to hear how it has worked for you.
Sincerely,
Matt Rogers
<a href="http://www.threestepstoareefaquarium.com/sand.htm" target="_blank">http://www.threestepstoareefaquarium.com/sand.htm</a>

 

[fshhub]

a dsb is jsut as effectiv, BUT it is easier to set up and maintain or change, fi the need ever arises, that is why most of us do not use it
and a dsb is mcuh like the plenum, especially in efficiency
HTH

 

[ebeckels]

I'm not sure who made that website, but it's VERY difficult to read. It's a dark font on a dark background! I have to higlight anything i'm gonna read.

 

[reeferx]

Eric - I made that site. Thanks for the input. I will be changing that. For now you can double-click the light switch on the side of the tank and it will change the font and the background.
as for the sand, i am a newbie here, fshhub what is 'dsb?' -- dry sand bed? can you give me details on what this is exactly?
sincerely,
matt rogers
<a href="http://www.threestepstoareefaquarium.com/sand.htm" target="_blank">http://www.threestepstoareefaquarium.com/sand.htm</a>

 

[cyn]

DSB = deep sand bed. Usually 4 to 6 inches deep. Either with dead sand seeded with live or all live material.
HTH,
cyn

 

[reeferx]

Ah 'deep' sand bed. duh. thanks cyn. well that is what i had on my reef as well and i didn't have any problems either.
but this plenum deal with the pvc and egg-crate is really interesting. from what i have read it makes the sand above it more efficient than it would have otherwise been. i don't see how it would be that much harder to break down. and it certainly isn't expensive to setup.
of course upgrading to this setup with a live tank would be a major pain in the ass.
my next tank will definitely have it though.
matt rogers
<a href="http://www.threestepstoareefaquarium.com/myreef.htm" target="_blank">http://www.threestepstoareefaquarium.com/myreef.htm</a>

 

[q]

Pleniums are not new and they actually got phased out by the DSB. This is why very few people have them. The debate rages on but but most people have chosen to go with the DSB over the plenium.
Try doing a search on pleniums and you will get a bunch of reading to do.

 

[reeferx]

I don't know Q ... I get F.A.M.A. magazine every month and it seems like there is a helluva lot of people doing it. They have a column in it called 'sand mail.' Check it out.
matt rogers
<a href="http://www.threestepstoareefaquarium.com/sand.htm" target="_blank">http://www.threestepstoareefaquarium.com/sand.htm</a>

 

[kung fu]

Matt...if it helps...
I'm using the jaubert system described in Goemans' "Live Sand Secrets", though I'm using it in my sump.
Essentially the overflow goes to the skimmer chamber of my sump, then through a pre-filter sponge chamber, then across the "Jaubert" chamber, and then into the return pump chamber.
Only real difference is that I've got a layer of live rock rubble on top of a second layer of eggcrate supported by pvc above the sand bed and plenum. Then a bunch of razor caluerpa growing on top of the rock. I also have lights on the sump that kick on when the tank lights go out so I've got 24 hr. photosynthesis...
Though it's a fairly new system it's been awesome so far...cycled pretty much in just under 2 weeks...all my water conditions seem pretty close to perfect too...
Essentially everyone's right...I believe DSBs, plenums, you name it all probably work fine, as long as you do it one way and stick to that one way. If everything looks healthy....well...
Peace...and luck...

 

[q]

I get FAMA and I have the pamphlet. I was also considering using a plenium but went with the DSB because that is what is more main stream now. If I am correct I believe a lot of people had pleniums and then changed over to DSB's. I am not saying that pleniums don't work because it is proven that they do.

 

[kris walker]

Although I'm not expert, just based on what I've read from other peoples observations, any of these systems will work fine. There are so many other factors that play into it that doing a strict comparison between all 3 types based on various hobbiest's observations is pretty futile (unless you have lots of money and space, and you can do the tests yourself).
sam

 

[reeferx]

I appreciate the honesty fellas. You all seem to have a lot of experience and are really into this. This forum is great.
I used the dsb setup successfully for many years too.
So why do I want to change? I guess I am always trying to improve things even if they work well.
Or maybe I just like playing with egg-crate!

matt rogers
<a href="http://www.threestepstoareefaquarium.com/myreef.htm" target="_blank">http://www.threestepstoareefaquarium.com/myreef.htm</a>

 

[kenobi]

Sam very wise reply. Could not agree with you more. Mr Rodgers I guess sand is cool, and you were correct and the bottom of you website. It is close to a full eco-system.
Let me ask you a question????
Why waste this time with all these differnt sand layers. Why not just use a mud/ eco-system filter and have a whole eco-system. Much more current and up to date bro. Try out that neighborhood!

 

[kung fu]

Agreed with Sam, Q, and everyone else!!!
It's really just a matter of preference as to type of system you're using...they all seem to work great when done properly!
And yeah...the Ecosystem stuff looks REALLY nice!!! Their sump systems they use look very similar to the one I had custom made by U.S. Aquarium. I'm thinking of doing a 30 gal F.O. tank using their hang on system...
(Or perhaps I could add another layer in my sump with Mud in it... <img src="graemlins//silly.gif" border="0" alt="[silly]" /> )
Peace...

 

[reeferx]

Kenobi -
I have yet to try the Ecosystem filter. It looks like it is taking the algae scrubber filter to the next level. I really like the whole R.D.P. concept.
I have been curious about this filter and had posted it on my product review board. If you or anybody is using it, I would love to hear about it.
matt rogers
<a href="http://www.threestepstoareefaquarium.com" target="_blank">http://www.threestepstoareefaquarium.com</a>