The problem with DSBs

[Tone]

It is noticeable as well, that there is a general absence of coral

Paul, as a 'middle aged' reefer, I have thoroughly enjoyed many of your threads about how it used to be. LOL ! I do remember.

Thinking in reef aquaria seems to be drifting towards the importance of bacterial equilibrium ... each display being quite differently populated from one another due to micro-environmental and husbandry reasons. To my mind your tank reflects exactly that ... it is in balance just like many other tanks that run neither a skimmer nor frequent water changes.

I run a DSB in my 500G display comprising quite fine calcium carbonate aggregate. The strong water movement moves the top layer around and the Coris wrasse digs about in it constantly. This maintains the bed ... and being very deep in places keeps it operating. The added advantage is that the detritus is kept in suspension for my huge recirculating twin beckett skimmer to clean out and for the corals to trap.

However, for many reasons of good practise the RDSB for nitrate reduction is taking precedence. That allows the aquarist to easily disconnect the DSB for maintenance and replacement without impacting the operation of the display.

 

[Paul B]

Tone, it is nice to call me a middle aged reefer. That means I will live to 120
There is a huge absence of corals now in my tank. I have been remedying that but it will never be as coral laden as it was before an accident a couple of years ago.
It is the way I like it and it also will never reach the beauty of some of the tanks you guys have. The tank was never meant to be a showpiece, but an experiment. I add things to this tank that I would never recommend to add.
The RUGF was an experiment that I decided to keep as is the algae trough even though there is no algae in it now.:|
The bacteria I add all the time with associated mud is also an experiment.
When you experiment without prior people doing it there is no research to fall back on and sometimes you fail. Hence my bouts with hair algae.
I feel my tank is in equalibrium and could probably go for years without a water change. I won't do that experiment because I don't feel it would accomplish anything.
As I said, DSBs work fine, I just don't think they will last very long.
I don't see too many 10 year old DSBs on here and they have been around longer than that. What happened to them? There are thousands of people on here. Where are the old DSBs? :?:
Anyway, it is what it is, now the middle aged guy that I am is going to have a nice Grand Marnier in front of my coral lacking dark tank.
Have a great night
Paul

 

[Tone]

^ I would toast you with a Grand Marnier, Paul ... but the sun has reached above the yard arm now and it is time for work

 

[Paul B]

I just noticed you are in Australia. I stayed in Kings Cross in Synney in 1970.
I was on R&R.
Did my firsr SCUBA there. Loved the place.

 

[Tone]

Tough neigbhourhood is the 'Cross But that is where it all happens.

 

[Paul B]

It happened to me A few times

I went there right out of a jungle. How tough could it be?

 

[Tone]

:badgrin: Seems like the local wildlife would have needed the protection then.

 

[Paul B]

No they were actually very friendly :lol:
They were just building the Sydney operahouse then