I feel I need more sand..

[dtd87]

36 gallon bow

It originally had about 15lbs of live sand in it and now it's probably at 9-11 lbs.

When I was originally setting up the lfs told me a light sand bed was better. But I think from the reading I've done I'd like to make the sand bed atleast and inch or inch and a half possibly even two. What would you guys do, or think. Is this a good idea. I figure it's more biological filtration which I'm sure I could use more of.

 

[DonW]

Less is easier to take care of. If you want a dsb the you need alot more 3-6"
Read this http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/f14/how-deep-sand-beds-work-59448/
Don

 

[returnofsid]

As Don said, if you go with a DSB, you'll need to go at least 3" deep and preferably 4-6" deep. Otherwise, you won't get any benefits of a DSB and you'll have maintenance issues. 1/2" - 1" is just fine.

 

[mojoreef]

You'll get the benifits from a bed that is only and inch or so, its just you end up with a smaller sponge, thus its lifetime will be reduced.

dtd87 if you want to increase the depth of the sand you need to do it in small increments. SO no more then a 1/2 inch at a time, and then give it a week or so before doing the another round. The reason is that you want to allow the critters that currently populate the top layer to be able to migrate to the new top layer and not get buried in what is soon to become a area devoid of oxygen. The best way I have seen this done is to get a peice of PVC (1 1/2 pipe) and then pour the new sand down it while moveing the end that is in the water back and forth to create and even layer.

hope it helps


Mojo

 

[DonW]

You'll get the benifits from a bed that is only and inch or so, its just you end up with a smaller sponge, thus its lifetime will be reduced.

Mojo

But is it worth it to you? Depends on the look your going for. If you want that pretty spotless sand bed then it will take alot of work and its much easier if its only 1/2". If you want all the bennies then go for the real deal, but IMO its ugly and the only reason I dislike DSB's. I dont really think there is a good middle ground. If you want the DSB bennies then go for the DSB all the way. If not then make it just a floor covering so its easy to maintain.

Don

 

[mojoreef]

Yea I kind of fall into that group to, I do like the look of sand on the bottom, but never really like the big thick deep ones.

Mojo

 

[Krish]

I love the look of sand, but can't bring myself to ever use it again. Give me tons of flow and a bare bottom tank and I'm more than happy. "IF" I had to go with sand, I'd go Don's route with very little just to cover the bottom and clean the heck out of it weekly. Wouldn't serve any purpose but for the tank inhabitants to have something to make sandcastles with.

 

[jrgilles]

Agree. I have a thin sand bed for looks. Once it disappears, I don't think I'll leave it bare bottom

 

[dtd87]

Yeah, my tank has a lot of empty spots right now. that is why I was considering adding a 5lb bag to hide the bald spots.

 

[jrgilles]

if you add more, i recommend washing it before you put it in the tank. I didn't wash my sand when I first put it in, and it took a long time to go clear again. Not sure what livestock would have thought about that if there was anything in the tank at the time...