Depth of the DSB

ellevan11 · 06-04-2009, 11:42 AM

I currently have a 5" DSB in my 20g sump. I have some extra bags of sand laying around and was wondering if i should increase the depth of the DSB. Would say, going to a 10" DSB increase the denitrification? Is there a point when its inefficient?

Thanks

jgking21 · 06-04-2009, 02:10 PM

I've heard a DSB is over 4", here is a link to the in depth disscussion on them.

Topic of the Week August 28 - Deep Sand Beds

ellevan11 · 06-04-2009, 07:03 PM

Thanks, i have read that disscussion. But it never answered my true question, Is there a point when the depth is to great and is inefficient?

jgking21 · 06-04-2009, 07:22 PM

I think a 10" DSB may be too much, just remember that gas pockets can get stuck in there. Then when something does release that, it could cause problems. I'm not expert in this field, but have heard of people having problems with a DSB.

DrHank · 06-04-2009, 08:37 PM

I don't see much benefit to more than what you have. The real key is not to disturb it. The object it to culture anaerobic bacteria to break nitrate down to free nitrogen gas. You should be able to culture all you need in 5" deep sand.

The major problem that I'm aware of it that a by product of the bacterial activity is the production of Hydrogen sulfide gas which is toxic in very small amounts. That's why you don't disturb the sandbed.

ellevan11 · 06-04-2009, 09:18 PM

Great thanks guys.

06-04-2009, 11:42 AM	#1 (permalink)
ellevan11 Tubeworm Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 28 View Gallery Karma Komment	Depth of the DSB I currently have a 5" DSB in my 20g sump. I have some extra bags of sand laying around and was wondering if i should increase the depth of the DSB. Would say, going to a 10" DSB increase the denitrification? Is there a point when its inefficient? Thanks __________________ ~Evan

06-04-2009, 02:10 PM	#2 (permalink)
jgking21 Neon dottyback Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Indian Trail, NC Posts: 674 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Depth of the DSB I've heard a DSB is over 4", here is a link to the in depth disscussion on them. Topic of the Week August 28 - Deep Sand Beds __________________ They call me "JUICE"! Will work for Corals! Juice's 54 Corner Reef Juice's 25 Gallon Reef

06-04-2009, 07:03 PM	#3 (permalink)
ellevan11 Tubeworm Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 28 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Depth of the DSB Thanks, i have read that disscussion. But it never answered my true question, Is there a point when the depth is to great and is inefficient? __________________ ~Evan

06-04-2009, 07:22 PM	#4 (permalink)
jgking21 Neon dottyback Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Indian Trail, NC Posts: 674 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Depth of the DSB I think a 10" DSB may be too much, just remember that gas pockets can get stuck in there. Then when something does release that, it could cause problems. I'm not expert in this field, but have heard of people having problems with a DSB. __________________ They call me "JUICE"! Will work for Corals! Juice's 54 Corner Reef Juice's 25 Gallon Reef

06-04-2009, 08:37 PM	#5 (permalink)
DrHank Golden Moray Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Crestview, FL Posts: 2,758 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Depth of the DSB I don't see much benefit to more than what you have. The real key is not to disturb it. The object it to culture anaerobic bacteria to break nitrate down to free nitrogen gas. You should be able to culture all you need in 5" deep sand. The major problem that I'm aware of it that a by product of the bacterial activity is the production of Hydrogen sulfide gas which is toxic in very small amounts. That's why you don't disturb the sandbed. __________________ Doc Dr Hank's 210 Build: http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...nks-tanks.html

06-04-2009, 09:18 PM	#6 (permalink)
ellevan11 Tubeworm Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 28 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Depth of the DSB Great thanks guys. __________________ ~Evan

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)