Deep Sandbeds

[William Dennis Lang]

I saw a youtube video where this guy had a sandbed that was 7-9 inches deep in his sump tank. What are the possible pros and cons of this deep of a sandbed?

[chrisfont23]

Natural nitrate reduction is a big pro. Here's an article. Lot to list: DeepSandBeds

I plan on using a 5 inch DSB in my fuge if I use a 20 gallon long...7 inch if I use a 29 gallon.

[Reefing Madness]

Deep sandbed grows another type of bacteria, one that eats Nitrates, then in turn leaves behind Nitrogen, totally harmless to the tank. Also, you should not mess with DSB once they are set up, if you do they are apt to release toxic gas.

[chrisfont23]

Deep sandbed grows another type of bacteria, one that eats Nitrates, then in turn leaves behind Nitrogen, totally harmless to the tank. Also, you should not mess with DSB once they are set up, if you do they are apt to release toxic gas.

Good point. And you might want to look into a plenum. Essentially it's water flowing 'thru' the sand. I am looking into doing something similar w a reactor! Creating a fluidized sand bed instead.