DSB vs ???

[Victoria M]

I am open to radical ideas even...my DT is 30 inches tall and the bottom is impossible to work in. I was considering doing a 6 inch sandbed with reef flakes and mini reef flakes to raise it up to a workable level. I understand the +\- of a DSB. While at the zoo I started thinking about concrete displays. I have time to research. any suggestions folks?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I would just go dsb. Go oolite and fine and then cap with your favorite look of sand.

And go eight inches. Old school

http://www.ronshimek.com/deep_sand_beds.html

 

[Victoria M]

Thank you for the reply. Thanks for the article. Although I have read it before I read again. always enjoy reading about aquarium stuff...

 

[Grey Guy]

I would build a small platform just below the bottom of the tank, that would give me secure footing, to lean over the top of the tank and reach the bottom. Must be careful not to fall in. I use a short ladder, but it always wants to slide out from under me, when I'm really leaning over. Maybe I will build something myself and submit a picture.

 

[Dennis Cartier]

I am going through the same exercise right now (on a largish tank). My tank is also 30" deep, and will be in wall inside a fish room. What I have done is to purchase a 4 x 12 panel of FRS grating and I have cut a 2 x 10 piece that will be a walk platform for me to stand on and lean over the back of the tank.

To make it easier to reach the bottom, I have been thinking about using the remaining FRS panel to make some platforms that would be raised about 4" off the bottom of the tank using 4" PVC fittings. I would camouflage the edge of the FRS with some branch rock, and place large live rock structures on it along with small individual pieces of LR top create a false bottom. The expectation is that this will allow my sand bed to stay quite clear (with Gyres in use) and give the fish plenty of extra swimming space under the LR. Visually it should not be too obvious as the platforms will only be 2 or 3" above the sand bed once the sand is accounted for. The PVC fittings will also have some holes drilled in them to do double duty as fish condos.

The only concern about this, is that any dropped frags will become very hard to retrieve if they fall through the grating.

Dennis

 

[Victoria M]

My tank from my favorite chair in the house.

 

[Victoria M]

I would build a small platform just below the bottom of the tank, that would give me secure footing, to lean over the top of the tank and reach the bottom. Must be careful not to fall in. I use a short ladder, but it always wants to slide out from under me, when I'm really leaning over. Maybe I will build something myself and submit a picture.

thank you for the thoughtful replay. It would be helpful to have something like that. I use step ladder now but it us up down up down all the time. lol

 

[Victoria M]

I am going through the same exercise right now (on a largish tank). My tank is also 30" deep, and will be in wall inside a fish room. What I have done is to purchase a 4 x 12 panel of FRS grating and I have cut a 2 x 10 piece that will be a walk platform for me to stand on and lean over the back of the tank.

To make it easier to reach the bottom, I have been thinking about using the remaining FRS panel to make some platforms that would be raised about 4" off the bottom of the tank using 4" PVC fittings. I would camouflage the edge of the FRS with some branch rock, and place large live rock structures on it along with small individual pieces of LR top create a false bottom. The expectation is that this will allow my sand bed to stay quite clear (with Gyres in use) and give the fish plenty of extra swimming space under the LR. Visually it should not be too obvious as the platforms will only be 2 or 3" above the sand bed once the sand is accounted for. The PVC fittings will also have some holes drilled in them to do double duty as fish condos.

The only concern about this, is that any dropped frags will become very hard to retrieve if they fall through the grating.

Dennis

It is an interesting idea Dennis. I can imagine what your saying and things falling thru the grate would concern me too. I am leaning towards the deep sand bad I guess.

 

[Ryan Browne]

I have a 30” tall tank and I thought it was going to be difficult to manage the bottom, but it’s not. I have about a 4”-5” DSB, and it does help having the sand that rock sit on. I have also bought long tools to help clean and pickup stuff off the bottom. If I really need to reach I’ll turn off my pump and do a water change to make it easier to reach the bottom. There are plenty of ways to work in a deep tank. Good luck

 

[TbyZ]

I am open to radical ideas even...my DT is 30 inches tall and the bottom is impossible to work in. I was considering doing a 6 inch sandbed with reef flakes and mini reef flakes to raise it up to a workable level. I understand the +\- of a DSB. While at the zoo I started thinking about concrete displays. I have time to research. any suggestions folks?

Well I'd never go a deep sandbed. For the reasons you're considering one, I'd go all Paul B & do a reverse flow under-gravel filter.

 

[Victoria M]

I have a 30” tall tank and I thought it was going to be difficult to manage the bottom, but it’s not. I have about a 4”-5” DSB, and it does help having the sand that rock sit on. I have also bought long tools to help clean and pickup stuff off the bottom. If I really need to reach I’ll turn off my pump and do a water change to make it easier to reach the bottom. There are plenty of ways to work in a deep tank. Good luck

After 7 years of working in this tank, I am ready to try something new. A 4 inch sandbed did nothing to increase my accessibility. I am not a shorty but my arms are just not long enough. lol.

 

[Victoria M]

Well I'd never go a deep sandbed. For the reasons you're considering one, I'd go all Paul B & do a reverse flow under-gravel filter.

umm no....lol. Paul has enjoyed a singularly spectacular level of success with his UGF and I do not wish to tempt the fates.

 

[Rakie]

You could always go the opposite direction.. Bare Bottom (or tile for better reflection), nothing will stick on the bottom the powerheads will keep everything in suspension until it goes in the overflow.

I mean, it's not what you're asking for at all -- But it's definitely outside the box haha.

Good luck! 30" is no joke!