DSB Plenum

[squeezix]

I want to use a plenum under my DSB, but am not sure how to set this up. From what I understand, I lay the eggcrate on the bottom of the tank, put in about 1-1 1/2" sand, nylon or fiberglass mesh over that, then another 4-5" sand?
Am I correct?

 

[dgasmd]

For what I understand, you have to prop up the eggcrate on top of something like small pieces of PVC tubing toa high of 1-1 1/2 inch, screen,sand, and that is it. Someone else here may correct me if I am wrong. I used to be in this BB about 2 years ago andit was the thing to do. Most people were religious advocates of it, but it seems now that it has died out and most people is not doing it.
From just my educational background in Biology and Physiology with minors in chemistry and physics, I can tell you that in principle and maybe in the ocean it really works, but the reality is that even thouh those areas at the bottom don't have active flow of water, they do get almost as much O2 as the middle of the tank if not the surface. I know I am going to take a beating for this here, but it is the truth. I think it is my opinion.

 

[SteveP]

Do yourself a favor and just use a 4-5" DSB without the plenum. I've done both a plenum system and a DSB system. Both work, but the DSB is so much simpler, cheaper, and faster to set up.

Steve
8{I

 

[reefworm]

I concur w/SteveP. Don't bother. If you set up the DSB w/proper grain sizes and seed it w/a variety of benthic creatures from live sand and/or detrivore kits you'll do fine.

regards,
rw

 

[squeezix]

Are you saying I should use different grain sizes? In layers? Please explain. My nano has 5-6" of Carib sand.

 

[Jaynorris]

Hello Squeezix, I've used both a DSB and aplenum system. The plemun system is a little harder to set up than just adding live sand to the bottom of the tank, but if you set up the plenum correctly IMO its a much better system. For information from an expert on plenums contact Dr.Bob Goemans at [email protected] LOL

 

[naesco]

I agree with Steve; no plenum

 

[Mouse]

Mathmatically speaking the oygen free surface area for denitrifying colonisation of a DSB is far greater. And once its properly set up with infauna and fauna, you should be able to achive the same rate of sand turnover to supply that oxygen free region. You cant deny the laws of physics laddy.

 

[esmithiii]

I concur. Go with the DSB only.

Ernie

 

[SteveP]

squeezix,

For all the info you need re: DSB's, visit Dr. Ron Shimek's web site at www.rshimek.com and go to the Reef Aquaria section. Read the sand bed article. It should answer all of your questions. He also has a listing of other DSB articles he's written that go into even more detail if you're interested.

Steve
8{I

 

[squeezix]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by SteveP:
<strong>squeezix,

For all the info you need re: DSB's, visit Dr. Ron Shimek's web site at www.rshimek.com and go to the Reef Aquaria section. Read the sand bed article. It should answer all of your questions. He also has a listing of other DSB articles he's written that go into even more detail if you're interested.

Steve
8{I</strong><hr></blockquote>

I read it, printed it for future reference along with the Temp & Salinity article. I have a few good books too. Boy, his way with words bashing other aquarists/authors really leaves me with a bitter taste in my mouth....the guy seems to know what he's talking about, but bashing Delbeek publicly is just wrong, very unprofessional.

 

[Jaynorris]

Hey Mouse, who's denying the laws of physics. IMO the plenum system works better for me. Squeezix I collect all my own sand from the patch reef areas off the S.Fl. coast and never had to layer the sand according to grain size in either a DSB or a plenum system. Go with what ever you feel more comfortable with. This is only my opinion. Good luck.

 

[squeezix]

AHA! Where do you go? Is the second reef off of Pompano Beach a good spot? I can get sand from there.

 

[Jaynorris]

Squeezix, we usally dive on the reefs between Key Biscayne and ELLIOT key, but diving on the 2nd reef off Pompano should be fine. Have fun, clear water be with you.