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reefshadow · 12-02-2003, 04:19 AM

Hmmm, interesting discussion.

Chuck fiterman (mntdewman) had a similar crash which he has blamed on his dsb. And he had a beautiful and well thought out system. Yet one coral after another succumbed in a kind of chain reaction. Makes me kind of nervous, considering that dsb usage is really kind of in its infancy so to speak. I wonder how many long-term successfull tanks there are which have employed the "undisturbed" dsb method. (long term as in 10+ years).

Recent posts of that nature have made me wonder if that is something I really want in my display tank. I've contemplated removing mine and using my refugium as the main dsb. It would be easy to maintain, replace, and remove that way. Removal from the display will be such a hassle though!

It's so hard to say what can cause a downward spiral of a captive environment though, and a definative answer would require long term study and experimentation which no one is really doing.

The husbandry of captive reefs is definately becoming more easy, but only time can tell. This is still a very young hobby and involves so many aspects that it is hard to say what can cause a seemingly successfull reef to crash. Alot of experienced reefkeepers are now advocating the removal and replacement of both aged sand AND live rock. I'm not sure what to think about that, especially the removal of the rock. After all, it is very expensive and really isn't such a huge renewable resource that I would feel comfy chucking it in the can.

Are we entering the age of remote, maintained dsbs? I think maybe. I'm not sure what maintenance means though. Should we syphon and replace sections frequently? Add deitrivore kits regularily? That sound like alot of work and $ for little gain.

It sounds easier to just step up the water changes and quit worrying about a failing dsb.

I'm interested to hear your take on it, Tank Girl. How is your water quality doing as far as nitrates and phosphates? I know it looks beautiful!

And hey, if I remove my dsb I have more room for corals, eh? Hmmmmm. I'm thinkin about it!

- Becca

12-02-2003, 04:19 AM	#5 (permalink)
reefshadow Ricordea Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: washington Posts: 196 View Gallery Karma Komment	Hmmm, interesting discussion. Chuck fiterman (mntdewman) had a similar crash which he has blamed on his dsb. And he had a beautiful and well thought out system. Yet one coral after another succumbed in a kind of chain reaction. Makes me kind of nervous, considering that dsb usage is really kind of in its infancy so to speak. I wonder how many long-term successfull tanks there are which have employed the "undisturbed" dsb method. (long term as in 10+ years). Recent posts of that nature have made me wonder if that is something I really want in my display tank. I've contemplated removing mine and using my refugium as the main dsb. It would be easy to maintain, replace, and remove that way. Removal from the display will be such a hassle though! It's so hard to say what can cause a downward spiral of a captive environment though, and a definative answer would require long term study and experimentation which no one is really doing. The husbandry of captive reefs is definately becoming more easy, but only time can tell. This is still a very young hobby and involves so many aspects that it is hard to say what can cause a seemingly successfull reef to crash. Alot of experienced reefkeepers are now advocating the removal and replacement of both aged sand AND live rock. I'm not sure what to think about that, especially the removal of the rock. After all, it is very expensive and really isn't such a huge renewable resource that I would feel comfy chucking it in the can. Are we entering the age of remote, maintained dsbs? I think maybe. I'm not sure what maintenance means though. Should we syphon and replace sections frequently? Add deitrivore kits regularily? That sound like alot of work and $ for little gain. It sounds easier to just step up the water changes and quit worrying about a failing dsb. I'm interested to hear your take on it, Tank Girl. How is your water quality doing as far as nitrates and phosphates? I know it looks beautiful! And hey, if I remove my dsb I have more room for corals, eh? Hmmmmm. I'm thinkin about it! - Becca __________________ 240 gallon glass mixed reef 2x 250 watt m.h., 2x 175 watt m.h., 3x 110 watt vho's. 55 gallon propagation tank, 2x 96 watt pc's Empty 125 gallon tank reefer girrrl!