sand bed

[chrisritson]

i would like to add a deep bed of live sand to my fairly established aquarium and wonder what is the best size of sand particles, and depth of the bed also, in having this is it aceptable to stir it up from time to time because most of the inverts in my tank are sponges and other filter feeders that have beein getting along very well from me stiring the detritus and what not in the 1/4 inch of sand i have now thanks

 

[31-2c]

The common statements on depth range from 4 inches and up. My personal recommendation would be to add live sand as it is an established tank over adding a dry sand like soutdown. I am sure others would disagree.

 

[Nameless]

I wouldn't add sand at all. Without a plenum, you're going to end up with hydrogen sulfide down in the bottom of your sand, and you're going to end up with it all melting together.

If you plan on putting in a plenum, then I think it's a great idea.

 

[Josh's Reef]

interesting point nameless, but dont you need a high calcium level for that to happen. I have a FO and would also like to add a DSB. Anyone?

 

[Jefe12234]

I would not suggest a plenum. They are unnecessarily complex and not as efficient as a properly functioning DSB. The hydrogen sulfide worry is a myth that is commonly passed around. Hydrogen sulfide is a natural part of the denitrification process. It occurs in live rock, coral skeletons, DSB's, and plenums as well. In a DSB it will be oxidized to a sulfate ion before it ever reaches the surface of the bed.

That said, I would suggest 4 inches or more as 31-2C said. You can use dry sand, just make sure it has a very fine grain size. The smaller, the better. Many people use southdown from home depot if they're lucky enough to have a HD that carries it. Once you have the bed, you should add a detrivore kit, or some live sand that has lots of animals in it. These tiny animals will do the stirring for you. Do not rely on your own hands, or larger animals like stars, cucumbers, and fish to do the stirring. Your hands will disrupt the bed. And larger animals may help clean the top of the bed, but will not help the efficiency of the sandbed in processing nutrients.

Detrivore kits:
IPSF
Inland Aquatics

Live sand:
Sea Critters
Gulf View (kinda coarse, don't use too much)

Hope this gives you some ideas.


-Chris

 

[SPC]

Ditto to what Chris said.
Steve

 

[strongbow]

Try the sand available from www.esvco.com or www.purearagonite.com.
Both are finer, cleaner, brighter and cheaper than the other mentioned.

 

[Nameless]

The problem with what you're suggesting is that for the anaerobic bacteria to function properly, they have to have access to the nitrates, but not oxygen. If the sand is fine and there is no plenum, how do the bacteria 4 inches down get access to nitrates?

 

[MATTT]

I think,it is best to mix sand with some crush corals. That would give your tank a combination of everything. Besides out in the real ocean where the reef at. The bottom has sand and some small pieces of corals and particles not just sand. Do you agree ???

Mattt.

 

[Roach]

Carribsea, I think that is what it is called, is pretty fine. I don't think it was very expensive either. Sorry can't remember anymore about it except that I really like the way it looks in my tank.

 

[leftovers]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote

Osmosis man... OSMOSIS!

I think you mean diffusion...

 

[micagreenmachine]

Live sand is simple. Add live sand until your nitrates drop to unreadable levels. I just decided to buy some from the LFS one trip (1/2 inch) at a time until the nitrates fell to 0 (they started around 40ppm w/o sand). It took 2 trips (about 1" of live sand). I don't think that a plenum is necessary and that it's probably more of a PITA than what good it may actually do. The sand I got was a nice mix of corse and fine sand with lots of little critters in it.

From reply above:
<< If the sand is fine and there is no plenum, how do the bacteria 4 inches down get access to nitrates? >>

Osmosis man... OSMOSIS!

 

[SPC]

I was reading the other day where if you add dolomite to your garden soil it will help to eliminate nematodes and such pests. What happens is they cut themselves on the sharp edges and die. Dr Ron has also pointed this out in reference to DSBs when CC or any sharp edge material is used. If you want the most diversity in your DSB then only critter friendly materials should be used.
Steve

 

[micagreenmachine]

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

I think you mean diffusion...</strong><hr></blockquote>

Duh... I think you're right.

I knew I should have concentrated more in school instead of playing with my aquariums.

Either way, nitrates still get down there.

~t

Osmosis might be doing some work if the sand was of a really REALLY fine grade.