Deep VS shallow sand bed?

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by billybaldwin3, Mar 9, 2014.

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  1. billybaldwin3

    billybaldwin3 Skunk Shrimp

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    are there any pros or cons to either?

    what's the difference?

    i'm asking because right now i have 60lbs in a 55gal tank,(just added water n sand today, first day of cycle) and it just doesn't look like enough to me, i'm thinking of putting in another 20lbs.

    so, i'm just wondering what the pros/cons of having/less sand is?
     
    billybaldwin3, Mar 9, 2014
    billybaldwin3, Mar 9, 2014
    #1

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  2. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    Mr. Bill, Mar 9, 2014
    Mr. Bill, Mar 9, 2014
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  3. AZDesertRat

    AZDesertRat Giant Squid

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    Personal preference but you do need to be aware or the potential dangers when messing with a DSB. Personally I prefer a DSB and both my current systems have them, 3-4" in my 16G bowfront that is about 15 years old and 100G with 5-6" (330 lbs of Southdown sugar sand) that is over 10 years old. Neither has ever been stirred or siphoned other than the top 1/4" and both are as white as when installed. I tried bare bottom and shallow sandmany years ago and hated the sterile look.
     
    AZDesertRat, Mar 9, 2014
    AZDesertRat, Mar 9, 2014
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  4. SaltyClown

    SaltyClown Sea Dragon

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    In my 75, I have about 2 inches, give or tank an inch in some areas. Every week when I do a water change, I siphon the sand. I recommend shallow and siphon your sand bed.
     
    SaltyClown, Mar 9, 2014
    SaltyClown, Mar 9, 2014
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  5. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    You do not want to vacuum live sand; you'll lose the micro-infauna that keep it clean, which is what you paid extra for. Also, they tend to fair better in a deeper sandbed.
     
    Mr. Bill, Mar 10, 2014
    Mr. Bill, Mar 10, 2014
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  6. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    Oh I'm not even jumping in on this one,

    do a bit of research/peoples experiences/trends
     
    Todd_Sails, Mar 10, 2014
    Todd_Sails, Mar 10, 2014
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  7. billybaldwin3

    billybaldwin3 Skunk Shrimp

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    thanks Bill! those videos were actually VERY HELPFUL! :)

    but one question, i've read alot, and these videos also stated, that i am not supposed to disturb the sand bed, at least at first until it's healthy.

    does this mean that i should hold off on getting any sort of goby? because won't they constantly be disturbing it?
     
    billybaldwin3, Mar 10, 2014
    billybaldwin3, Mar 10, 2014
    #7
  8. billybaldwin3

    billybaldwin3 Skunk Shrimp

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    could u give me some examples of some dangers of a deep sand bed?
    how will i know if i'm in danger?
     
    billybaldwin3, Mar 10, 2014
    billybaldwin3, Mar 10, 2014
    #8
  9. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    Gobies that burrow should be fine. You don't want a sand-sifter though, as they prey on the sandbed infauna. In a 55, one would most likely decimate the population then starve in just a few months. Same for sand-sifting sea stars, BTW.
     
    Mr. Bill, Mar 10, 2014
    Mr. Bill, Mar 10, 2014
    #9
  10. billybaldwin3

    billybaldwin3 Skunk Shrimp

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    so a mandarin(once the pod population gets up to par) should be fine then?
     
    billybaldwin3, Mar 10, 2014
    billybaldwin3, Mar 10, 2014
    #10
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