Okay. "Book of Coral Propagation" by Anthony Calfo, page 65, "Sand between 1/2 inch and three inches is usually not deep enough to reduce nitrate and yet too deep to be fully aerobic."
I see.
Perhaps I shall get myself a copy
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Okay. "Book of Coral Propagation" by Anthony Calfo, page 65, "Sand between 1/2 inch and three inches is usually not deep enough to reduce nitrate and yet too deep to be fully aerobic."
IMO, CaribSea Ocean Direct is vastly superior to their arag-alive. Tho it doesn't contain any macro organisms, it does contain micro organisms in addition to the bacteria. I've confirmed this by placing direct samples from a fresh bag under a microscope.
IME, the best thing for a healthy DSB is a healthy benthic population, and of these, I have found spionid worms to be of the greatest value. Spionid worms are often found on quality liverock and will easily populate a sandbed that has decent water flow over its surface. The higher the flow the better.
Burrowing amphipods typically do well, creating small lateral tunnels against the tank glass. Combined with cerith and perhaps nassarius snails, the sandbed can stay remarkably clean without ever cleaning it. I left mine completely untouched for over 5 years.
People typically advise against hermits, but after watching my red scarlet, yellow tip, blue leg, and even zebra herms, I'm doubtful they eat too many of the benthics. But in large enough numbers, I suspect they can eat too much of the available food, basically out competing the benthics. Just a guess tho.
So I just had two guys from the LFS tell me a DSB was a bad idea. One came out of left field with "everything comes from the live rock and the sand is just sand". I've read enough to know how ridiculous that statement was. The other one told me that it would cause major algae problems because my tank is facing my courtyard and the light will affect the algae growth. How would a DSB affect that?? Wouldn't algae thrive on even a BB if there was a lot of light? I just can't see that being a problem because it's no where near direct sunlight. It's not the darkest spot in the room but surely not light enough to cause any serious problems. I read about algae that grows as a result of hydrogen pockets in deep sand but I also read it's quite easy to avoid those.
It's bizarre! Out of all the great things I read about DSBs, those guys (though their arguments were meagre at best in my opinion) and the majority of voters on this thread prefer a SSB! Am I missing something?!?! A sand bed that keeps you from having to do water changes (given you don't over feed and over stock right?) and substrate maintenance just seems like a no brainer to me. Do people just prefer to do it as maintenance is a big part of the hobby?
So I just had two guys from the LFS tell me a DSB was a bad idea. One came out of left field with "everything comes from the live rock and the sand is just sand". I've read enough to know how ridiculous that statement was. The other one told me that it would cause major algae problems because my tank is facing my courtyard and the light will affect the algae growth. How would a DSB affect that?? Wouldn't algae thrive on even a BB if there was a lot of light? I just can't see that being a problem because it's no where near direct sunlight. It's not the darkest spot in the room but surely not light enough to cause any serious problems. I read about algae that grows as a result of hydrogen pockets in deep sand but I also read it's quite easy to avoid those.
It's bizarre! Out of all the great things I read about DSBs, those guys (though their arguments were meagre at best in my opinion) and the majority of voters on this thread prefer a SSB! Am I missing something?!?! A sand bed that keeps you from having to do water changes (given you don't over feed and over stock right?) and substrate maintenance just seems like a no brainer to me. Do people just prefer to do it as maintenance is a big part of the hobby?
Quotes from above, "It has nothing to do with whether it's a DSB or not UNLESS you don't have sufficient infauna; if you don't have the tiny creatures in high numbers and diversity, the DSB will simply trap decaying matter and feed algae."
"The guys you were talking to just don't understand the concept and execution of a DSB. Indeed, many don't."
Quote from "Book of Coral Propagation", "A benefit of deep sand beds is the competition of the living substrate with nuisance algae for nutrients. Nitrifying bacteria in the oxygenated upper region of the substrate will compete with pest organisms for ammonia and other nutritive compounds in the water. There are limitations to the process, of course, and aquarists who have suffered significant blooms of algae that they wanted to blame on the sand bed should consider their overall system husbandry."
It's not the critters in the sand bed that keep the sand clean it is the nitrifying bacteria that it hosts.
If you read about the benefits of remote deep sand beds, they are kept in the dark with no critters. If you read the article by Dr. Shimek, that I linked in this thread, he discourages the use of any sand stirrers.
"Indeed, many don't."
My deep sand bed actually moves when the lights go out. I even have a nine year old Olive in there. My 9 year old clown also keeps it dug down to the glass. I'm not going to get rid of them if I don't have a problem.
It was another thread (whoops) about sand sifters in deep sand beds where I posted Dr. Shimek's article. Ron Shimek's Website...Deep Sand Beds He has the statement in bold print.
First, it sounds like you don't like to listen to others. I feel the guy that mentioned sand may have meant that you gain all beneficial bacteria you need from the rock. The guy mentioning the light would have a valid point if indeed direct light made its way in.
Also, you should read a bit more about proper husbandry of this hobby. If you are looking for a way to not do easy regular maintenance such as water changes.. I'm sorry to break it to you but you have the wrong hobby than and I would feel bad for any livestock you take care of if that is the approach taken.
It's worth pointing out that it is a lot of sand. And if you think you'll be moving in a couple or years, it's probably not worth the trouble. By its very nature, a DSB can not be moved. Trying to either renders the DSB non-functional and a nitrate factory, or otherwise destroys the glass aquarium because you can't move an aquarium with 5 inches of sand in it.
I listen to others just fine and I don't appreciate the judgemental comment. Instead of you "feeling" what the guy meant how about asking me if you aren't sure? What he said was in response to me asking him his thoughts on a DSB which then he replied "A DSB is a bad idea. Everything comes from the live rock and the sand is just sand". I get the sand IS just sand and I get that when you do use live rock and dry sand that obviously everything comes from the rock. But that fact sand is just sand doesn't support his statement of a DSB being a bad idea. Hence why I said that is a ridiculous comment. Are we a bit more clear on that now?
And also, I AM looking for a way to do easy regular maintenance which is why a DSB appeals to me. I'm reading alot about people who have DSBs who hardly ever have to do water changes and I like that idea due to my housing situation making that a bit complicated. Oh look there goes me listening to people. If you need more examples of that, perhaps you should read my earlier posts in this thread. And thanks for your concern of my future livestock but no thanks.