Optimal DSB depth

bs77 · 05-07-2006, 05:21 PM

Hey all,
I have decided to go w/a DSB in my 30g setup. My question is, what depth should I shoot for? I have about 3.5 inches in there now, and I feel like if I go any further, I will be taking up too much space for the fish to swim. The tank is small enough at 30g, so I'm just concerned about water volume. Any thoughts?

Brandon

seshapir · 05-07-2006, 05:34 PM

In most of the reading I have done if you want your DSB to truly function for nutrient export it needs to be 4-6" and be a very fine grade of sand. I'll try looking for some links and info on DSB for you!

seshapir · 05-07-2006, 05:39 PM

You may want to look around in this part of the archive

http://thereeftank.com/forums/http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/f49/

there's many threads on DSB and lots of great info!

bs77 · 05-07-2006, 07:20 PM

What about the idea of taking up too much space? My tank is relatively small.

Geoff · 05-07-2006, 09:03 PM

that is a drawback to having a properly setup DSB. bare minimum is 3", most prefer at least 4".

G~

Kevin1000 · 05-08-2006, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bs77

Hey all,
I have decided to go w/a DSB in my 30g setup. My question is, what depth should I shoot for? I have about 3.5 inches in there now, and I feel like if I go any further, I will be taking up too much space for the fish to swim. ......Brandon

Heres a quote from Dr. Ron Shimek the "DSB guru" from one of his old threads from RC.

"You will start to get effective sand beds at depths around 3". Generally, the functionality should increase with depth until the bed is about 6" and after about 8" or so, given the animals available as sand infauna in the hobby, additional depth is not adding additional functionality"

Hope this helps.

bs77 · 05-08-2006, 10:09 PM

Thanks everyone. I guess I will just have to work with limited space.