[jimeluiz]

Our tank is just 2.5 years old so I'm hoping OTS is still out in our future (not hoping it is coming, but hoping it is not here yet!) We followed the thinking at the time and installed a deep sand bed - which we love the look of, but have a growing sense of doom about.

I have definitely seen a drop off in the pure vibrancy of the system. While our parameters have been remarkably consistent and on target from the beginning (knock wood) the corals have gone from thriving to maintaining. We still have growth, but it is just not the same as it was a year ago. Thinks look healthy, just not as happy.

I'm attacking flow. I've replaced our powerhead (which was beautifully, but troublesomly covered completely in corraline) and now I'm going to replace the tubing that goes from our return pump to the tank (which has a good -sic - layer of slime on the inside deterring flow.) The pump is rated to 800 gph (less the rise) for our 58 gal tank.

Having read all the cautions about the inevitable detritus build up in our dsb, in spite of a heathy (I think) population of critters within, I have taken to more robust vaccuming and not returning the sand caught in the process to the tank (VERY SLOW removal of the sand) ;-)

We run carbon with some regularity and I have just begun a period of phosban use.

I'll be interested to read more here about other preventative measures that both stay the onset of OTS as well as create the most vibrant environment for our tank inhabitants.