Deep Sand Bed Question?

So I have heard that a deep sand bed is best for denitrification processes and such. I was wondering how deep the sand bed should be for this. I am moving my stuff from my 10 gallon into the 20 gallon I have. I was wondering how deep the sand bed should be and how much sand it would take to cover a 20 gallon long tank. I am planning to do this sometime this week since my lights and skimmer come in on Tuesday. Thanks for all the help.

 

You shouldn't do more than a 1"-2" sand bed. Your skimmer will help with the de-nitrification, and a DSB can be a can of worms.

 

i agree, there are much better ways of keeping nitrates in check. dont overfeed, get a good oversized skimmer, and dont overstock your tank. Oh and a fuge is nice, i wish i had one.

 

I ordered a nano skimmer for my tank which is rated for up to 30 gallons. Its the only one I could find that wouldnt take up so much room in my tank. I have a Sebae anemone and 2 Percula Clowns that will go in the new tank. about 10 hermits and 4 turbo snails. I also will have around 25 lbs of live rock. I cant have a fuge right now because i dont have the money to set it up. What would be a good filter for a tank of this nature?

 

A DSB is typically 5+" deep, and CONTRARY to popular belief(mostly European!;-D )they are not a can of worms. The only issues you will have is if you improperly maintain them. IF you do a DSB you must DO it properly or you can have issue, but just like anything in this hobby if you don't do it right you CAN have issue!!

Happy researching!