Self-Sustaining Reef

[rklontz]

If I were to do a low maintenance tank set up I would not have a deep sand bed in the main tank. I would run a remote dsp in a bucket next to the sump and have around 2" max of sand in the display tank. Nutrient export would be handled by a hang on refugium that I could easily access to pull algae out. Kalkwasser in the top off water and run a skimmer in the sump. If necessary dose C-Balance and of course keep the bio load low.

 

Link for info on the rdsp http://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic59558-13-1.aspx

[eddiecorrea]

Typically a DSB is recommended if you have the proper CUC. If you don't it can become firm and packed with detritus which would be a disaster waiting to happen.

[rklontz]

Typically a DSB is recommended if you have the proper CUC. If you don't it can become firm and packed with detritus which would be a disaster waiting to happen.

If the dsp is put together correctly there should be no clumping or packing whether there is a cuc or not. If there is clumping or packing then it is usually caused buy improper tank parameters (PH) and if the problem is caused by detritus then the tank is over stocked/fed or the dsp is improperly assembled (depth and particle size). What makes a dsp succsessful is the aerobic/anaerobic zones which is the beneficial part of dsp's. An improper cuc can kill a dsp faster than no cuc at all.

For the op's requirements a remote dsp and a macro algae refuge would work much better be lower maintenance and help stabilize the tank better than a dsp in the main tank.

[Wizzy]

If I were to do a low maintenance tank set up I would not have a deep sand bed in the main tank. I would run a remote dsp in a bucket next to the sump and have around 2" max of sand in the display tank. Nutrient export would be handled by a hang on refugium that I could easily access to pull algae out. Kalkwasser in the top off water and run a skimmer in the sump. If necessary dose C-Balance and of course keep the bio load low.

 

Link for info on the rdsp http://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic59558-13-1.aspx

 

Thanks for the input.

 

What size would the remote DSB need to be to be beneficial?

 

And what would I need to do to care for it?

 

Also, how would I implement a HOB refugium?

 

I am not sure what the best way to provide support would be.

 

Typically a DSB is recommended if you have the proper CUC. If you don't it can become firm and packed with detritus which would be a disaster waiting to happen.

 

What do you suggest?

 

If the dsp is put together correctly there should be no clumping or packing whether there is a cuc or not. If there is clumping or packing then it is usually caused buy improper tank parameters (PH) and if the problem is caused by detritus then the tank is over stocked/fed or the dsp is improperly assembled (depth and particle size). What makes a dsp succsessful is the aerobic/anaerobic zones which is the beneficial part of dsp's. An improper cuc can kill a dsp faster than no cuc at all.

For the op's requirements a remote dsp and a macro algae refuge would work much better be lower maintenance and help stabilize the tank better than a dsp in the main tank.

 

Thanks again

[rklontz]

These 2 threads should give you all the info you will need on a remote dsb. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthre...threadid=595109

http://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic20039.aspx

A 5 gallon bucket would be sufficient. There really is no maintenance with a rdsb if it is set up correctly

 

Setting up an hob fuge should be pretty straight forward if you want to use it for nutrient export. An Aquafuge or something similiar would work fine.

 

Just about anything that sifts the sand with the possible exeption of cucumbers are bad for a dsb. What they are eating is the micro fauna that lives in the sand that breaks down the detritus. The Tapes japonica (sand bed clams) and the nassarius are safe for sand beds.

 

I know alot of people have issues (I have my issues also) with Dr Ronald Shimek but his sand bed info is pretty much spot on if you want to go with a dsb in in the display tank.

[Wizzy]

These 2 threads should give you all the info you will need on a remote dsb. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthre...threadid=595109

http://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic20039.aspx

A 5 gallon bucket would be sufficient. There really is no maintenance with a rdsb if it is set up correctly

 

Setting up an hob fuge should be pretty straight forward if you want to use it for nutrient export. An Aquafuge or something similiar would work fine.

 

Just about anything that sifts the sand with the possible exeption of cucumbers are bad for a dsb. What they are eating is the micro fauna that lives in the sand that breaks down the detritus. The Tapes japonica (sand bed clams) and the nassarius are safe for sand beds.

 

I know alot of people have issues (I have my issues also) with Dr Ronald Shimek but his sand bed info is pretty much spot on if you want to go with a dsb in in the display tank.

 

Thanks again, rklontz.

 

I'll take advantage of the links you provided

[delorean1981]

There is an article in the new reef hobbyist mag that reviews a 10 year old tank that is close to what you are asking.

 

http://www.reefhobbyistmagazine.com/downlo...f/version23.pdf

 

Nice read, thanks for the link