Here we go... Plenum or DSB

[sesegal99]

I have a 150 that is being set up for a reef... the big question is, for long term success of the tank (5 years and up), should I incorporate a plenum or go directly with a DSB. I am planning on about 200-250 lbs of live rock and skimming. From my research it seems that a plenum is very benificial in keeping nitrate at 0, as is a DSB, but that a crash can occure with a DSB over time. What are all of you using?? Please note the size of tank and type of substrate when replying. Thanks and remember everyone has their own opinions, I'm looking for info from first hand experiences. Thanks!!!!

 

[iam_meli]

I am interested in exploring and starting up a saltwater aquarium,,,I would like to do some reading/research before I invest. Does anyone have any suggestions for reading material. I am totally new and require knowledge...thanks

 

[Shabadoo]

"The New Marine Aquarium" is a good first read. Its about $20 and you can blow through it in an afternoon. It will leave you well armed to hit the stores full of questions.

Secondly, I have had a DSB for about 2 yrs now and its is doing well. I just had to dump another inch of sand in because it was slowly melting away. I chose DSB over plenum simply based on ease of set up. I never was interested in the arguments between the two based on minutia.

My DSB took about a year to kick in, so its not a quick fix. Plus it takes up a lot of room and if your tank is less than 24" tall it can be overwhelming. If I had to do it again I would put in a 2", or less, sand bed and run a refugium as an algae scrubber.

 

[redfernsoljah]

for DSB with plenum check out Garf.org I have used this method very successfully in my 29 reef.

 

[Grandis]

I've had both types of set up and never had problems. Never had lots of creatures in the substrate, like people say we would need to achive success. Cucumbers and that's it. Never had those systems for more than 2 or 3 years thought. I've tried with small grain size and medium type (2 to 5 mm). It depends of more things than just what we normally hear from people. For example: how many fishes, water movement and skimming. Even light would affect each system differently.
Aloha,
Grandis.

 

[moggyhill]

I like a dsb with sugar size aragonite. I like it about 5 inches deep. I think not only does it look good but it establishes a great filtration system for the tank. This is just my opinion. There are a number of people who like bare botton tanks. I like the critters that live in my dsb.