Good advice. I think the point that people must pay attention to here is nutrient export. Andrew points out that this is a must, and he is right. Lack of proper nutrient export is probably one of the largest causes of DSB failure. Caluerpa is the best one, and if you can set up a refugium just for caluerpa growth (or dedicate a large area in your display tank for it) then you are on the right track.
I do have to disagree with the cost of a refugium though. You can set one up for 50-75 bucks. I think mine cost me about 30. If you can do this in combo with the deep sand bed, I think that is your best bet. IMO, Shane C. > -----Original Message----- > From: Andrew Dillard [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] > Sent: Monday, October 08, 2001 1:57 PM > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: Re: Sand from Home Depot > > Both! They both are excellent methods of filtration. The only con would > be cost, it can cost quite alot to install a nice refugium, a DSB is > pretty cheap but it requires $100 detritivore kits. If you want your > nitrates at 0 then consider a DSB of 4-6" in your main tank with a > refugium that has a DSB of 4-6" and cauperla for nutrient export. I run > this system and have had nitrates at or close to 0 throughout my tank's > excistence. 2 things that are a must w/ DSB- many worms and bugs, and > nutrient export. The pros are that you will have 0 nitrates, interesting > critters, less live rock, no vaccuming, a micro ecosystem right next to > the glass, etc. > > > > HTH > Andrew > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Sent: Monday, October 08, 2001 3:31 PM > Subject: Re: Sand from Home Depot > > Hi all, > Speaking of DSB, i was wondering, What is better, a dsb or refugium? > I'm setting up my 180 and want to do it right from the start. Pros and > cons for both systems would be great. TIA, > Rick > ________________________________________ LEAVING THE LIST ================ To stop receiving messages you will need to send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a command to remove you from the list. The list manager controls who belongs to the list. For example: -------------------------------------------------------------- From: John Doe <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: <not needed> UNSUBSCRIBE --------------------------------------------------------------
