But I am still curious. A low cost, low flow tank with a Jaubert plenum, few fish (but I can go with species I didn't want in display - damsels maybe), softie or other low demand corals, perhaps some display algae I think could be very attractive. I was even thinking I may go completely old school and get actual live rock. One low flow circulation pump (if any), no sump, no or small air stone skimmer, few water changes.
I think my tank is similar to that except I don't have a very few species. My tank does have a plenum under my Reverse UG filter but I have almost 30 fish and the tank is packed with corals and sponges.
I never liked DSBs and remember when they were invented. Bon Goemans is a friend of mine and has been to my house.
I have always thought Schmeck's idea of a DSB was flawed. The Idea is OK but the thing can't be maintained.
As was said, those creatures need to be replaced, but not only that. Those creatures are not stupid, they are not going to burry down to the bottom of that thing because for it to work correctly, there is no oxygen there. Schmeck's theory is that worms dig down and make pathways for water to get there. But if you can find a worm stupid enough to go down there with no oxygen, then that kills the idea that it works with limited oxygen.
Besides that, If I am totally wrong and a DSB is the best thing since Myley Cyrus I see another problem.
I know in my reef I have a complete ecosystem and food chain. I like to see creatures spawn including my pods, worms, etc.
My RUGF has water flow all through it constantly and because of that, it is loaded with life all the way through the gravel and under the plenum.
Tiny things constantly spawn and provide food for my corals and sponges just like the sea. The fish also constantly spawn but of course get eaten eventually but before they get eaten, they get to feed.
To me it is life in a tank that makes it healthy, and the more life, the healthier it is especially if it needs no help from me.
In the almost 50 years my tank has been running the power has gone out many times and we have had many hurricanes over that time. Once I lost power for 5 days.
I used my SCUBA tank to add some bubbles and all was well. Eventually I got a generator but lack of oxygen or circulation seems to have little to no effect on my system which may go on to live longer than me.