Lasses Dream Build

[Lasse]

Start of DSB construction. I start with 5 cm bottom layer of siporax in the DSB chamber. Siporax is a product of the German brand Sera and consists of sintered glass, very porous. Ideal for bacteria growth according to Sera but IMO these pores will be overgrown of bacteria film rather fast. However the ring structure create a lot of tunnels back and forward – ideal for sedimentation. That’s the main reason why I will have them as a bottom layer in my DSB

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Lasse]

The next step - 10 cm coarse (2-5 mm) coral sand (Argonite). The amount, of course, absolutely scientifically calculated - it was what was in the bag I bought for a good price :) Over this layer there will be a less coarse sand (0.5 - 2 mm) - approximately 5-10 cm.

I also started to think about my lighting. It will, of course, an LED construction. I will build my own version - I have some custom made 5-channel Dream Chip - left over from a previous project - which I will use.

But it takes time to build them so I need something to use until the construction is finished. I'm very fond of systems where you can control which wavelengths you want and where you may limit the use of phosphorus-coated white LED as much as possible. Especially I do not like white LEDs with low color temperature. Ideally, I want to have 14 000 K and above.

Pacific Sun's constructions are probably those closest to my ideal. However - they are a bit too expensive just to use a shorter time.

I have found one lighting that fit´s rather well to my ideas (not so high Kelvin as I want – but you can´t get everything). Its reef breeders Nano-lite WiFi – also known as Coral Box Moon LED light. I have order 3 pcs.


Sincerely Lasse

 

[Greenstreet.1]

Along for the ride.

 

[Lasse]

Second and last layer of coral sand.

The water volume above the DSB is 30 l – 10 % of the display tank. I intend to do this volume to a refugium with macro algae. It has been shown that some macro algae are able to take up nutrients from the substrate through the “roots” (through the rhizoids). Different species of Caulerpa are known for this ability. The goal is to have the refugium to run during nights.

Mangrove - maybe

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Colin Chaplin]

Hi Lasse, The under gravel filter is in the DSB, not the main tank?.

 

[Lasse]

Hi Lasse, The under gravel filter is in the DSB, not the main tank?.

Yes - the plenum is below the DSB at the DSB appartment

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Colin Chaplin]

Thank you for your reply, i know you say this is a new tank and is an experimental, did you used to have an under gravel filter reverse flow main tank that was popular back in the 80-90s?.

 

[Lasse]

I use under gravel filter back in the 70s :) But not reverse in salt water - only the normal.

This construction is not aimed to be an under gravel filter like the old ones - its more a variant of Jauberts DSB/plenum method - I will try to ad a slow current through the DSB

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Colin Chaplin]

Thank you, Lasse.

 

[morpheas]

Lasse this is a great build, literally thinking outside the box. Following for the ride.

Quick question. Why did you decide to put the refugium/DSP on the back chamber of the DT rather than follow a "norm" and install a compartment in the sump? Is it purely for space reasons or is there a biological/mechanical reason not so apparent to me?

 

[Lasse]

Quick question. Why did you decide to put the refugium/DSP on the back chamber of the DT rather than follow a "norm" and install a compartment in the sump? Is it purely for space reasons or is there a biological/mechanical reason not so apparent to me?

Both together

There is some risks with a DSB – you can spell it hydrogen sulphide. It is dangerous for all living things but it is rapidly oxidized by oxygen. Of that reason I want to have the DSB first in the chain – before the skimmer and other processes that aerate the water. If I get a power breakdown – there is a risk that H2S will be formed in the DSB chamber – with the DSB first in the chain you force the water to bee aerated before (by the skimmer mostly) its returns to the display tank

I also want a deep bed and with a possibility to have refugium above the bed. This means that I need a certain height of the DSB/refugium. I had problem to have this demands to fit into the cabinet together with other equipment – so therefore this ide come up in my head. The overflow is also constructed in a way to give a possibility to decide where most of the water will fall into the rear chamber.

It is true that most systems with anaerobic zones has them as a last step – first produce nitrate – after that take it away. But we are dealing with recirculated system - not flow through – the nitrate molecule will pass the anaerobic zone sooner or later.

Sincerely Lasse

 

[morpheas]

I was sure you had some good reason for it and now I know for myself too. Thanks for the detailed response!

 

[Maacc]

Very interesting, definitely following.

 

[Lasse]

First of all - today has been the first real spring day in Sweden – 20 degree C all over the country. This had to be celebrated with a good meal - Sweden West Coast style and sitting outside.

Back to reality :)

Mount of the background. Glued with glass silicone adhesive.

In order to minimize the risk to have the dry side of the magnet in saltwater – I isolated it with a small plastic bag. Its place is in the DSB.

Now I can attach the RW 8 streamer

I do not like to look at a pump - therefore I´ll try to hide the as much as possible. Testing

I´ll be back

Sincerely Lasse

 

[jsker]

Like the sea food break

 

[Lasse]

Like the sea food break

Me too :)

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Lasse]

Now I'm done with the background. It is difficult to get good pictures where the aquarium is - reflections everywhere. It now remains some small fix, including the outlet for the return pump and installation of a further wave maker before it is time to stock up on sand, stone and water.

I will visit Interzoo in Nuremberg last weekend in May, therefore - I will not fill with water before first of June..

Some pictures

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Sincerely Lasse

 

[bknapp]

Very interesting and well thought out build thus far, will be following along. Great work.

 

[revhtree]

Now I'm done with the background. It is difficult to get good pictures where the aquarium is - reflections everywhere. It now remains some small fix, including the outlet for the return pump and installation of a further wave maker before it is time to stock up on sand, stone and water.

I will visit Interzoo in Nuremberg last weekend in May, therefore - I will not fill with water before first of June..

Some pictures

​

Sincerely Lasse

This is so cool!

 

[Lasse]

Thank you revhtree

Some of my grandchildren will visit me during the weekend - they want to see fish in the aquarium so I did a fast cycling and Voila :)

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Sincerely Lasse