I am curious about the process of swapping from an already running system to change it over to dsr and back? Specifically this got me curious how the carbon dosing to remove nitrate and phosphate affects the nitrifying bacteria?
Is swapping to dsr as simple as adding power filter then running the initial tests day 1, day 6, day 14 and dosing on each of those based on the test results entered into the calculator? Then maintaining a regular test/dosing schedule?
What happens to the nitrifying bacteria when you have a fully stocked tank both coral and fish and you decide to stop dsr? Does the tank crash because the nitrifying bacteria is not built up enough to handle the bio load in it's own?
In DSR we rely on CarbonVS for the growth of bacteria to consume NO3. For this proces to work a small portion of PO4 is required.
To target PO4 surplus we use Fe+
The EZCarbon target both NO3 and PO4 and is easier to use.
(De)Nitrification only remove N, so you still need something else to remove your PO4 surplus.
That's why DSR don't build in the so much "valued" nitrification proces.
I find it an advantage to skip the use of massive scapes, because DSR tanks can do without large quantities of liferock. Which is also part of the sustainable reefing solutions.
CarbonVS and Fe dosing is so much more effective in a the DSR reefing solution we discard the nitrification.
Most reefers i know choose to switch to DSR because the were struggling with a high nutrients problem. So with this in mind and the flexibility of the system why would you want to switch back to another system with so much requirements (LR) and limitations (scape)?
DSR tanks has been known to turn heads and the gras is always greener on the otherside.
But Never change a winning team. When your tank is running just fine and you're happy with it, stick to what you're doing.
There is always a risk...
Every switch will require you to (re)tune your system. You need to learn how to (fine)tune with the new tools. The faster you learn the less impact it will have on your running system.
Most tank i studied perform at 30% of their potential. So once you start reading, learning and do the dosings the only way to go is up...
Above mentioned applies to nutrient management.
The macro and Trace element management is quite easy.
you start dosing when it's required (low).
Imbalance are easy controlled with fullDSR components. Use the DSR calculator for this purpose http://dsrreefing.com/compactcalc/
Tankcrashes are because you neglect multiple warning sign en don't follow the rules.
By measuring and observation you keep track of the dynamics in your tank.
When you do something drastic as removing a carbon source you should keep track and act accordingly. I.e. slowly decrease and monitor.
Keep in mind when you're use to the ease of use from carbon dosing falling back to more classic ways is always hard.......
So the (avoidable) crash is not about blaming the systems, but about misjudgement and keeping track during mayor changes.
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