Deep Sand Bed info needed

[buffalo]

Ok I will be setting up my reef tank soon 60 gallon 24x24x24.
I am not new to reef keeping , my last reef was about 7 years old before i took it down when i moved . It was on the plenum system .
Now i want to know about DSB as its a consideration for this time
How deep?, In the main display or out?, maintenance?, deep sand bed in a bucket need or not?, some good threads or articles online about DSB ?
How long will a DSB last.
I have had bare bottom reef it worked for me, i've had the plenum system which worked well for me? Now I'm a little weary about DSB but willing to try it .

 

[ReeferPatt]

Depends on what you want. Aesthetics, or nitrate control. If you want both it will work. How long? The answer to that can start a long debate or argument. I've always had a dsb with no problems, YET, as far as crashing or what have ya.

If you want both, then my suggestion would be at least 4" deep. Use argonite/oolitic sand, put some critters in there to help keep it clean, bar gobies, sand sifting stars ect and leave it alone. Have plenty of flow, just enough to keep it from blowing around. Keep as much rock off the surface of sand as possible, to help prevent detritus build up, in the way of bridges or caves and your good to go.

 

[Krish]

Welcome to RF "buffalo"!! Hope you enjoy it here

As for your question, I've never run a dsb. I've only ever run a ssb and it was replaced with bb never to go back to sand. I've heard too many bad stories about deep sand beds crashing over time so I opted for what works well with me and that is no sand at all. Nevertheless, I remember there were some threads on deep sand beds and so I typed it in the search field and here are a few that came up. You can also do the same and see if any others help. HTH and good luck!

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1974&highlight=deep+sand+beds


http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4205&highlight=deep+sand+beds

 

[buffalo]

thank Krish ,excellent info. Any more good articles or threads