Substrate options DSB or Crushed coral, what so you think

[m1a1fixer]

As many of you may know I've been asking a lot of basic questions lately. That's because I want to set up my first SW reef tank (if my girlfriend will finally see the light and let me). I have discussed the substrate options with a few reefers around here and they suggest crushed coral since they haven't had good results from DSB. From what I've seen in the forum, most people here seem to have DSB. So which one is better and why? I'm looking for everyone's input. Also, has anyone tried a hybrid of the two, crushed coral in display tank and DSB in sump?

[davejnz]

I prefer(and use) a DSB for a mixed reef,its ablilty to recycle nutrients helps maintain water quality,i'd especially recommend it for a new reefkeeper getting started.I also use the BB methodology for my SPS tank to strive for ultra low nutrients and turbulent water flow.All systems have there drawbacks but for me,DSB has been my easiest tank to maintain.DSB tanks(actually all reefs) are best left to mature for a few months before introducing fish to allow for infauna to populate.

[Reptoreef]

In my main display... crushed coral/plenum, in by second unlit LR/skimmer sump... bare bottom, and in the fuge w/chaeto lit 24/7... 1/2 DSB sand grain sand(6" deep) the other 1/2 plenum(larger grain aragonite base(2" deep/sand upper 2" deep). As you can see, I've taken advantage of every method and implemented them into 1 system. I don't know which is best, but as a whole... I like it.

[davejnz]

Good idea Repto,use them all so you can gain all the methodologys' benefits while limiting there drawbacks by combining them so they work in harmony.
I voted BB but since my other tank is DSB you can throw another vote for that one too.The only real drawback to DSB in the display is that they can get overloaded with organics and can clump if you dont have the right kinds of sandbed fauna(worms,sandsifters,etc..),that said,I've yet to experience those problems and my SB is over 3yrs old.
If i was designing a mixed reef again,i'd use a med grain aragonite sand like CaribSea for the display(1.5" deep).Its small enough to allow worms and other life to proliferate in it but not so fine that it cant be vacumed out.Crushed coral is too large for many SB fauna to thrive in although it does vacuum easy.I'd go with a BB sump like repto while using filter socks periodically to capture detritus.Then incorporate a fuge with DSB.

[dakar]

We run a shallow sandbed (1-2") in the display, and a DSB in the fuge, sump stays bare with some LR thrown. Guess thats a hybrid as well.

Now we've got a 29g tank that we are taking down with about 2" of CC in it that's full of life, beeing running for about 8 months, just not sure what we are going to do with it, still picking snails, some stars and such from it...likely going to just take a couple cups out and add it to the fuge, but if you take the leap and chase that 125 and want a jumpstarter for a CC bed holler quick!

[jerryc]

I thank all have worked for some but i like either a DSB or BB iv had both
and each has their good and bad points