confused about setup

[llewro]

im confused, i been researching marine setups and have read alot above deep sand beds and using sumps for reef tanks. Im converting my freshwater 36inch tank to a marine fish only tank, my tank is not drilled. do i need a sump, DSB? or can i use my existing filters ( HOB style and internal style).

[Charles Poole]

A sump is a good asset to a reef tank. That is without question really, They do make "natural" siphon overflow systems for tanks that are not drilled. I use the hang-on overflows on my own tanks.

I would suggest running as little mechanical filtration as you are able. Any type of particulate filter will need to be cleaned often, or it will cause distruptions in you bacteria cycle every time you do clean or replace it.

I would suggest starting with at least 36 - 45 lbs of live rock. Live sand from a "well" established tank would be the best route to take for a DSB, but that is something you should research more indepthly. If you keep your goals focused on the inhabitants, you will likely make the best choice. :)

Have you read Dr. Ronald Shimeks articles on DSB's?

If not, I will look up some links for you...

[llewro]

i have read some articles on DSB but not the ones you are refering to.

[crazy_reefing]

I have a DSB on all my tanks but, I never did or never will run a sump. It's all in personal preference I think. All my tanks are running with canister filters with hang on the back filters (ex: emperor, whisper) with only carbon in them.

[Macbeth417]

So anyone else jumping on the BB= bare bottom bandwagon that is sweeping around as of late? I have BB prop tank but I need a little sand for looks in my displays. I support the remote DSB, but never been a fan of display dsb.

-Erik

[Condiman]

What do you have for filtration on your prop tank?

[Charles Poole]

Reefman,

Out of curiosity, why won't you ever run a sump?

Deep Sand Beds (http://www.rshimek.com/reef/sediment.htm)

[MikeS]

I have a "DSB" composed of 2 inches of crushed coral (the origional substrate when my reef was an FO tank) covered by 4 inches of aragonite sand. This setup has worked well for me....water always tests ok for nitrates, only had 2 outbreaks of algae in 3 years, and only a few small patches of cyano in the same timeframe....I have breezed through a few posts by reefkeepers on some of the larger forums about removing DSB's, I really don't know what to make of it. My speculation is that some of those who are having problems in the long run with DSB's probably feed their system to the max. It's just a guess on my part. I'll keep my DSB until it gives me trouble.

On sumps...I currently do not have one, but there is no argueing that it has many benefits for the reef tank. When I get a larger tank, I'll add a sump then, I really haven't found a practical way to "fit" one in my tank's current location.

Mike

[Charles Poole]

A lot of the problems associated with DSB's, are linked directly to a low population of beneficial micro-organisms that help maintain them. As Mike mentioned, feeding is of major concern, as without a well populated DSB, the benefits of Denitration and others, are not likely to exceed the negatives.

I have been slowly re-establishing my sand bed myself. I went bare bottom after the sand bed got clumped together and clay like. Now, I have a large and ever growing population of worms and other organisms, that help keep the sand bed loose and clean. It is not getting clumped together, and my Copperband Butterfly simply loves to forage for food in it.