substrate

[Reefscape]

there are a lot of play sands that are high in silica, i used it as a mixture in my first tank, never again am afraid..When i first started off using it, it seemed fine and i did not know what all the fuss was about, then as the system started to mature, that is when i realised that it was a bad idea...

Niko

 

[musho3210]

arent dsb no good in nano sized tanks?

 

[Reefscape]

does make any difference what tank you using. its down to the individuals preference..Unless its like a 5gal tank, then it would be just a waste of volume.

Niko

 

[jojo22]

I have to disagree. The few inches around the edge of a DSB are useless, this is becase water from the flow in your tank is forced into these areas makeing them aerobic, DSB's are used for their anarobic property. so if you have a tank that is lets say a 30 gallon you really are not getting much use out of your dsb as you will have 2-3 inches around all sides that are useless, leaving you with very little area that holds enough anarobic area to de-nitrify. so unless you have a 125 or bigger a DSB is a wast of space and money IMO.

 

[Reefscape]

as always on here, people have their own opinions and ways of doing things dont they...ultimatly down to the indiviual what they choose to do..

Niko

 

[jojo22]

OF course but I had to throw in what little knowledge I have!!

 

[musho3210]

i wasnt mentioning space, its just that since its a smaller space wouldnt it be harder to take care of in a nano, its what i learned on another forum.

 

[Reefscape]

my personal opinion is no its not...but, as mentioned before, everyone has their own way..

Niko

 

[musho3210]

do you need to rinse the sand> (sugar grade, not live sand, i got it dry)

 

[Reefscape]

Yes, give it a good rinse in Ro water prior to use..If you use tap water to rinse, your introducing nitrates and phosphates before the system is even up and running.

Niko