DSB vs. SSB

[segraves1]

with this new tank I'm doing, I can run either a deep or shallow sand bed......


up until now (in my small tank) I have been running a 2.5"-3" sand bed......


advantages/disadvantages of a deep sand bed?

[perpetual98]

I run a fairly deep sand bed in both of my 120G tanks, one of them being around 6" at it's deepest point, and another being around 4", I prefer the aesthetic look of a sand bed over bare-bottom, but If I were to do it again, I'd probably go with a SSB or go bare-bottom. If you're after critters like gobies that live in the sand and caves around live rock, you may opt for a DSB. There's a lot of anecdotal eveidence supporting both sides of the issue. Like most things in this hobby, it comes down to husbandry in the end.

Eric

[Fatman]

Even though I have only 4 months experience, Ive been reading mounds of information. The barebottom and SSB allow for alot more flow. I personally like the DSB because of anerobic bacteria that thrive, and reduce nitrates also I have alot of sand dwellers too.

[segraves1]

I have pistol shrimp and jawfish (which is why I was running the 3" sand bed).......I was leaning towards the DSB but keep seeing things about DSBs building up crud and causing a potential crash if not kept turned up (through either human help or animals digging)......

[Fatman]

Oh I forgot to add, I have 1 sand shifting star and 2 Horshoe crabs that love to toss that sand around.

[KG]

Here's an article on DSBs you might find informative.

KG

http://www.ronshimek.com/Deep%20Sand%20Beds.htm

[davejnz]

You cant go wrong with a DSB,I've ran the all of the commonly used methods(BB,SSB,DSB,etc..) employed in reefkeeping.My DSB reef was near bullet-proof.The only downside to them is that over many yrs,they can become saturated with organics.However,if aquascaped right and with good maintenance,you can prevent this.