To DSB or to NOT?

[tricksterpup]

Ok,
Here is a debate that is driving me a little crazy. Over the past few weeks on other forums, I have been reading the dangers of a DSB. But on other boards they have been highly promoting a DSB. From what I have been taught and personally used in the past is a Deep Sand Bed is a good thing. It provides homes for many creatures that help the over all nature of the tank. But the con is that if a power head disturbs the DSB it can cause all hell to break loose. Such as sucking out 02, and causing spikes in your tank. So What is everyone's feelings on this? I would love to see some imput into this.



jim

[liquafaction]

I was the same as you. I have read nothing but negative on sand beds untill I joined this forum. My understanding is no sand bed unless you use a plenum filter, and even then, you are supposed to use a light sprinkiling not 4-6 inches. I converted my tank from crushed coral and plenum filter to a sand bed with no filter. The only problem I have had is an algae outbreak that I am blaming on the sand. From what I understand, this will go away.

One thing I may suggest. If you are converting, do a little at a time.