FAQs about Reverse Flow Deep Sand
Beds
Related Articles: Deep
Sand Beds, Marine System Substrates
(Gravels, Sands) by Bob Fenner, Marine Substrate Options by Sara
Mavinkurve, Live Sand, Biological
Filtration, Biominerals in
Seawater, Understanding Calcium &
Alkalinity, Nitrates in
Marine Aquariums,
Related FAQs: DSBs
1, DSBs 2, DSBs 3, DSBs 4,
DSBs 5, DSBs
6, & FAQs on: Rationale/Use, Dangers, Physical Make-Up, Biological Make-Up, Size, Location,
Depth, Conversion to/from, Maintenance/ Replacing/Adding To, & Live Sand
FAQs, FAQs 2, Live Sand
3, Identification, Selection/DIY, Systems/Placement, Biota, Maintenance, & Marine Substrates, Live Sand, Mud Filtration
1, Plenums,
Nitrates in Marine
Aquariums, Refugium Substrates/DSBs,
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New tank build
12/30/11
Hay crew!
<Larson>
I'm planing <planning> a new tank / revamping my current
system. I have a new 55 gallon tank that I'm
starting, and I plan to tie it into my current 20 gallon nano system,
with a 10 gallon display tank and a 10 gallon sump.
<Mmm, this sump is too small... the transit volume (water in play...
"running" downhill should/when the pump, power fails, will
overwhelm it... and if the power comes back on, the 10 will be pumped
dry, burning out the pump likely>
I'm going to keep my 10 gallon tank, and use my other 20
gallon tank as my new sump
<Oh!? Much better>
and just connect all 3 tanks together. I was thinking about
putting in a 5 gallon bucket RDSB within that system for
nitrate removal.
<Mmm, worth trying>
I was curious if you have any opinions on the use of RDSB.
<Oh yes. Have seen these in place in small hobbyist systems to huge
commercial/industrial. Can/do work... But do require watching (so they
don't over-clog) and periodic back washing/rinsing/cleaning>
I was also planning on a cycle less set up of the 55 by just
adding dry base rock to the new tank and seeding it with a few pieces
from my small tank.
<Sounds good>
Thanks for your fish tank wisdom!
<Mmm, maybe knowledge... am still waiting/hoping for wisdom... and I
better hurry!>
Best regards.
<And you, Bob Fenner>
RDSB Advice - Calfo's Technique
11/3/11
Anthony Calfo,
Just wanted to say thanks for your help by posting information about
the RDSB on various websites. I am currently running a 32 gallon brute
filled about 70% with oolite sand (fed by a Maxijet 1200), for my 125
gallon display, although I am not sure if an increase in flow is
needed.
There is no detritus accumulation - there is a sock beforehand. I was
simply curious if more flow would be better - say a Mag 6 instead. Or
does flow not matter so long as no waste builds up in the RDSB?
<Adrian, Anthony has not been with us for quite some time. He can be
reached at
readingtrees@yahoo.com .
James (Salty Dog)>
Regards,
Adrian
RDSB Advice - Calfo's Technique 11/7/11
> Anthony Calfo,
> Just wanted to say thanks for your help by posting information
about
> the RDSB on various websites. I am currently running a 32
gallon
> brute filled about 70% with oolite sand (fed by a Maxijet 1200),
for my 125
> gallon display, although I am not sure if an increase in flow is
needed.
> There is no detritus accumulation - there is a sock beforehand. I
was
> simply curious if more flow would be better - say a Mag 6 instead.
Or
> does flow not matter so long as no waste builds up in the
RDSB?
> <Adrian, Anthony has not been with us for quite some time. He
can be reached at
> readingtrees@yahoo.com. James (Salty Dog)>
> Regards,
> Adrian
Thanks James - although no response from him - would you care to give
advice?
<Adrian, I'm not familiar with Anthony's RDSB so I cannot
comment other than suggest a flow rate of at least 350gph. Have you
seen this?
http://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic59558-13-1.aspx
James (Salty Dog)>
Re RDSB Advice - Calfo's Technique 11/8/11
James,
<Adrian>
That is a great article. I have read it yes, however I am unable to
find any information about the flow (other than keeping it fast enough
to not allow detritus to settle) when you are using a filter sock
beforehand. In my case, there is no chance that detritus can settle, so
I am unsure of flow or how much water can be above the sand. Many
people were not using a pre-filter sponge or a filter sock, and thus
had to move the water quickly over the top of the sand, but I have a
good 5-7 inches of water above my sand - which is in a Rubbermaid brute
bin.
<Sounds like you're on the right track.>
Also, my nitrates are reading about 7, when I thought they would be 0
(as I have 180+lbs of RDSB), although I have a hard time comparing the
color charts on Salifert's test kits and then dividing by 10 (low
range tests).
<Is better to have a low amount of nitrates present in the system as
clams and some corals benefit by this. Yes, the Salifert kit is
difficult to read on the low range due to the very small sample being
tested. Of all the NO3 kits I've used in the past, the LaMotte kit
is the best but is on the pricey side. James (Salty Dog)>
All The Best
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