Remote DSB

Mr. Softy · 10-03-2008, 12:34 PM

How do i figure the flow rate to a Remote Deep Sand Bed? Do i match the return pump flow rate, or go with less flow?

Killerdrgn · 10-03-2008, 02:39 PM

less flow, Denitrifying bacteria is anerobic. Meaning it needs areas of low oxygen to do their thing. Fast flow = more oxygen.

georgelc86 · 10-03-2008, 03:15 PM

a True DSB should be 4inches deep. Killer is right denitrifying bacteria is anerobic but that bacteria is located in the lower inch to two inches of a 4inch dsb. In my research flow rates dont matter if you have the right amount of substrate. As long as the sand is undisturbed, that is the key. If you have snails and other critters that will dig down deep to the sand bed that willl aerate the dsb and defeat the purpose. The other thing too is that higher flow rates arent proportional to the amount of dissolved oxygen, the distruption of the surface of the water is what causes the introduction of oxygen into water. You can have a tank with 6 powerheads whipping water and sand all over the tank but if your not causing the water surface to break then your not introducing oxygen. Along a river, when the rushing water tumbles over a waterfalls that introduces oxygen into the river. Just like when water in our sumps goes over a baffle.

Mr. Softy · 10-04-2008, 12:00 AM

Thanks guys. I had a DSB in one of my tanks many years ago but changed to no sand at all for the past 6 years with good success. I working on an upgrade which will be more than 100gls over what i'm currently running, so i thought about giving the Remote DSB a try. Thanks again for your knowledge. Mr.S.

10-03-2008, 12:34 PM	#1
Mr. Softy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Long Island Posts: 199 Reefer Ratings: (10) Friends: (3)	Remote DSB How do i figure the flow rate to a Remote Deep Sand Bed? Do i match the return pump flow rate, or go with less flow?

10-03-2008, 03:15 PM	#3
georgelc86 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Brooklyn Posts: 1,302 Reefer Ratings: (16) Friends: (6)	a True DSB should be 4inches deep. Killer is right denitrifying bacteria is anerobic but that bacteria is located in the lower inch to two inches of a 4inch dsb. In my research flow rates dont matter if you have the right amount of substrate. As long as the sand is undisturbed, that is the key. If you have snails and other critters that will dig down deep to the sand bed that willl aerate the dsb and defeat the purpose. The other thing too is that higher flow rates arent proportional to the amount of dissolved oxygen, the distruption of the surface of the water is what causes the introduction of oxygen into water. You can have a tank with 6 powerheads whipping water and sand all over the tank but if your not causing the water surface to break then your not introducing oxygen. Along a river, when the rushing water tumbles over a waterfalls that introduces oxygen into the river. Just like when water in our sumps goes over a baffle. __________________ I'm not a Marine Biologist, I just play one on this forum.

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10-03-2008, 02:39 PM	#2
Killerdrgn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Forest Hills Posts: 1,400 Reefer Ratings: (10) Friends: (5)	less flow, Denitrifying bacteria is anerobic. Meaning it needs areas of low oxygen to do their thing. Fast flow = more oxygen.