Deep Sand Bed Myth or Fact?

RunninRedline · 03-22-2008, 07:34 PM

I am not totally new but I don't have a lot of experience with the hobby so I've done quite a bit of reading to educate myself. Recently while browsing around online for live sand and advertised on one of the sites was that a "Deep Sand Bed (DSB)" which would be a sand bed of 4" would almost totally eliminate nitrate problems. Is that true?

SulfurAcid · 03-22-2008, 07:46 PM

NO, it will not totally eliminate nitrate problems, but it will enhance nitrogen fixation and nitrification, I.E. enhance the processing of ammonium/ammonia to nitrite into nitrate. However, you will still need nutrient export to help out the processing of nitrate into nitrogen gas, which will then be expelled through gas exchange in the sump and top of the tank.

Always go with a deep sand bed, my average is 6" in sump and 3.5" in display.

psychographic · 03-22-2008, 10:50 PM

Sorry to disagree but the main function of a DSB is for nitrate reduction.

If you are planning to do a DSB, From what I've seen, the easiest to maintain is a remote DSB using a 5 gallon bucket full to within about 4-5" from the top. You simply install bulkheads or Uni-seals on each end of the bucket above the sand and flow the water across the top of the sandbed. Search "Remote Deep Sand Bed", I'm sure you will find information on them along with plans.

The best thing about a RDSB, is you can easily take it off line when the sand needs to be replaced without fouling up your system, then simply replace the sand and fire it back up.

SulfurAcid · 03-22-2008, 11:02 PM

so psycho, wht you have pretty much made is a fluidized bed ractor, nice...

I might do one of those, but I will also do a research project on this in marine research. The optimal depth of a sand bed at which the highest levels of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate reduction will be achieved.

Nice, ill do it with a moderate fish load, asm skimmer, ad a nice reef

***Will post results of research project***

psychographic · 03-23-2008, 09:50 AM

No it's nothing like a FBR, that would pump the water through the media while a RDSB flow water across the top of the media (sand). The whole idea is to create an oxygen depleted source of water so anaerobic bacteria can grow.

RunninRedline · 03-28-2008, 09:34 PM

Can I use Playground sand from lowes or home depot for the remote deep sand bed?

bschuerman · 03-29-2008, 02:02 AM

I'd also say the amount of living organisms in the sand would also have a huge impact on a DSB.

Charlesr1958 · 03-30-2008, 11:35 PM

This article explains all the what and whys of a deep sand bed, might save you a lot of searching.

Deep Sand Beds

Chuck

Jackson6745 · 03-31-2008, 12:27 AM

A DSB will help remove nitrates (I could agree from first hand experience) BUT it does absolutely squat for Phosphates....IMO actually contributes to a PO4 level and thats where your common reef problems occur.

tsouth · 03-31-2008, 03:05 AM

Yes you can use playground sand. Make sure it is 100% silicate free though.

RunninRedline · 03-31-2008, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jackson6745

A DSB will help remove nitrates (I could agree from first hand experience) BUT it does absolutely squat for Phosphates....IMO actually contributes to a PO4 level and thats where your common reef problems occur.

I'm doing a FOWLR would phosphates be bad for that?

SulfurAcid · 04-18-2008, 04:55 PM

yes, phosphates would be bad for any tank, as they induce nuisance algae growth. with a fowlr, i say keep as deep a sand bed as possible, like 4 inches. maybe even do a plenum. good luck on the FOWLR

Mr Evolution · 08-11-2008, 01:06 AM

Since this is posted, might as well ask opinion on this idea.

This is for a 120 with hopefully 4" DSB. According to garf.org DSB calculator I will need about 187lbs of sand.

The idea about live rock seeding base rock should work for sand. Would a mix of 1/3 Southdown, 1/3 Live Bahamas, and 1/3 Agramax Sugar Sized.

Will this work and what would be the optimum type sand to use? I will be adding sand into the refuge as well

wes · 08-11-2008, 07:40 AM

Deep Sand Bed will remove nitrates but in my opinion there are better ways to do so. Eventually the sand bed will fill up w/ nutrients to a point where it starts getting released back into the tank...

wes · 08-11-2008, 09:37 AM

the remote deep sand bed is a good idea like mentioned above because it can be easily removed when the sand bed becomes "full"

Mr Evolution · 08-11-2008, 04:39 PM

How long can sand stay in a container outside of a tank before its done no good any more? I got a 55gal trash can full of sand that was removed from a tank, almost a year ago. Was thinking to reuse it after a rinse. Will this cause the any imbalance in the tank.

**Deepwater** · 08-11-2008, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Evolution

How long can sand stay in a container outside of a tank before its done no good any more? I got a 55gal trash can full of sand that was removed from a tank, almost a year ago. Was thinking to reuse it after a rinse. Will this cause the any imbalance in the tank.

Im a true believer about not using sand that was in a tank already.
try to move the sand around and see if there is any smell coming out of it. also think if it is worth it to rinse the sand ,actually wash it out a few times or buying new sand and sleep better at night.

i think a 2" sand bed is plenty for a tank and no sand in the fuge if you have it in the display , that is JMO

Mr Evolution · 08-12-2008, 10:55 AM

So all I need is 100 lbs of sand if I use a little bit of south down should do the trick.

**Deepwater** · 08-12-2008, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Evolution

So all I need is 100 lbs of sand if I use a little bit of south down should do the trick.

what size tank do you have , you can check here to see how much you will need Reef Central Online Community

johnmaloney · 08-28-2008, 09:22 PM

+1 DSB work to reduce nitrates. Allow for anerobic areas that buildup anerobic bacteria that devour nitrates.