Is a SSB a Vaiable Option

K

kyle

I've been reading though all the various BB vs DSB threads both here and on RC. My head still hurts.

Basically, the fear of DSBs is that, if over time it becomes saturated or is somehow disturbed resulting in "bottoms up", the bed will release a rush of nasties that poison all the tank's inhabitants.

BB proponents argue that it is better to remove the detritus manually and via skimming. They argue it's better to eliminate the source of problem itself rather than coping with the consequences. The only problem is that it is a PITA to suck the crap up and you never get it all anyway.

I had originally been planning to go witha SSB in my new 120G. However, I have been advised that a SSB is a poor compromise because manual removal detritus is impossible and you can't achieve the benfits of anaerobic processing with only 1' of sand. It seems therefore, while I thought I had 3 options available, that I really only have 2- BB or DSB.

I don't want to debate if BB of DSB is better. I would like to hear comments whether SSB is even an option. TIA!
 
From all of my reading here are my thoughts...

I have only had a SSB. Just because that is the look that I like. I believe that BB is a good choice for SPS tanks because of thier lack of buildup on the bottom and most of the nasty stays in suspension until it is pulled out either by the skimmer or consumed in the fuge.

DSB is a debate that has been going on for as long as there has be forums! I understand all of the rational for them, youv'e read the data, I just do not like the way they look. For me my tank is to look at and I wanted something pleasing to me.

By the way, I have no problem keeping my SSB clean with the right critters. I know I did not give you anything useful, just my .02

Richard
 
I ran my last tank BB and was not happy with the results nor the aesthetics. I did see and remove more detritus than I ever thought would be in my tank but just can't stand the look, even with coralline grown over the starboard.

My next system is going to be a 2-3" southdown bed. I might add some Fiji pink or something with texture to the top for aesthetics. From what I've been reading, a 2-3" bed of fine aragonite sand has enough density to get the same effects as a deeper sand bed.

HTH
 
@NathanSE wrote:
My next system is going to be a 2-3" southdown bed. I might add some Fiji pink or something with texture to the top for aesthetics. From what I've been reading said:
I struggled with this issue also, once you have the facts..then basically it comes down to how you want your tank to look. You also have the option of a RDSB as well as having a DSB in your fuge/sump area. There are several ways to achieve the DSB effects in your system. I have found that I don't hate the look of a 3" sandbed as much as I thought I would and it will benefit my tank in the long run. I have come to the conclusion that the DSB fears are overblown, there are far too many advocates for me to think otherwise.

Cheers!
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Sorry but I think a shallow sand bed is the worst of all choices that and maybe a crushed coral one. If you want a sand bed in a tank you should use a good dsb and let it work. As anyone whom has run a barebottom tank can attest, their is alot of detrius that settles on the bottom of any tank. If you have a BB you are able to vaccuum the waste off of the bottom or blow it off and have it filtered out with filter socks ot skimmed.
Their are only a few ways to get nitrates out of system. Doing frequent water changes, the more waste left in the tank, the more buildup the more water changes. The anerobic areas of the tank habor bacteria that need oxygen, they can get it from the nitrates, that converts it to nitrogen. Areas such as inside live rock or under 3"-4" of a fine sandbed. A good refugium can help use them up as well. And I know their is some others, but these are the main way.
With a barebottom system the liverock can covert some, but I do not think enough to keep up with the entire load. This is supplemented by the removal of the waste before it is broken down as I described above. With a good DSB the waste is left to be broken down, and down and down with the help of the critters in the sand all the way down to the bacteria.
With a shallow sand bed, you may have the life in the sandbed to break down the detritus to a smaller size. But you lack the bacteria that breaks down this waste at the lowest level. And I do believe some life that breaks down the waste at levels above the bacteria. You end up with that waste collecting and collecting over time. Huge problems.
You could try and vaccuum the shallow sandbed, but to me that is just a bandaid. Over time it will collect and buildup under the liverock and in the shallow sandbed that you cannot get to.
If a good dsb is not what you want or you do not like the look of a barebottom tank. I would suggest gluing a thin layer of sand to HDPE with a recommended epoxie safe for tanks. This would allow you to vaccuum and blow off the sandbed not allowing thet the waste to build up.
 
@NathanSE wrote:
Rick said:
Nathan I think determining that number is the problem. At what depth, in what size grain sand does oxygen penitrate? I do not know. I would guess, the finer the sand the shallower it stops penitrating. But if the guess is too shallow and the anerobic area is not there, it is the same result as any thinner sandbed.
My guess would be at least 4" of a fine sand.
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I couldn't agree more with Rick on this one. Either do a DSB or real real shallow (like 1/2") for looks only. In between is a total no mans land of detritus buildup. Your tank will be fine for a while possibly even a couple years but wait until after that and have fun with the algae

I also agree that BB are for SPS tanks only where pristine water quality is super super important. Otherwise I would do a DSB.
 
Guys... this has been very helpful.

Given that SPS will not be a primary focus, I think my best option is to go with a DSB.

Thanks!
 
If you have a mature SSB approx. 2" can you just add another 2 or 3" on top? Or do you have to remove it and start over.

Just wondering, I might start doing a little more research!
 
Richard, you know I think if you could add the sand slowly over a few weeks, you would be fine. I know it might be a hassle of dealing with the loose sand and the mess over that period. But by adding small layers, it would give a chance for critters to continually migrate up if they choose, without suffocatiing any that might be if you were to dump several inches in at once. Eventually the sand would become layered with the critters that require O2 and eat detritus at the top, all the way down to the anerobic areas at the bottom.
 
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