Originally posted by Richer
There seems to be two predominant schools of thought on DSBs. One side says that DSBs are essential in most SW tanks, because of their denitrifying abilities. The other schools believes that barebottom (or almost barebottom) tanks are the way to go.
The first school maintains that a properly maintained DSB will go a long way for maintaining near zero nitrate levels in a tank. Most of them point out to results that nearly all DSBs display... undetectable nitrate levels within a very short period of time. ---While I believe a DSB is a benefit to a tank, I do not use it for the low levels of nitrate. That is just a bonus if it happens. I use it as a place for detrivores to live a do their work.
However, the second school of thought believes that a DSB acts more like a nutrient sponge, rather than an actual filter. After this "sponge" has been saturated, nutrient levels within the tank will start to raise again. They also point out that quite a few tanks with DSBs rarely last longer than 5+ years without crashing. Tanks with a DSB generally need to have at least part of the DSB replaced every few years. --- Actually I've not seen any scientifc evedence of this. Just an idea posted by Dr Ron. In my opinion a half baked idea. As to them requiring replacement at about 5 years - how does that square with Robert's that is over 16 years old and the many more that are passed the 5 year mark.
Its a big debate over in RC... I'm not sure which side is correct. However, since I do live up in Canada, and its near impossible for me to get any kind of detrivore kit up here, I'll probably just go with a near barebottom tank. A good skimmer, LR, and a refugium with macro algaes in it should be enough to maintain good water quality. ---I agree that that will work. I disagree when people say it is the only option and a PS is essential.
-Richer
