Should i have sand

I have just moved the position of my tank which meant removing all of the live sand. I have disposed of it and left the tank with live rock only. I have nitrate levels of 40ppm which i am gradually lowering (i think)

Would live sand help to reduce it and if so should it be a deep bed also which goes down first sand or rock.

Thanx

 

Sand question: Live sand help with lowering Nitrates

I personally put my rock down first, then add my sand. Only because I had a stupid damsel cause a small rock-slide by digging a home under a rock I placed ontop of the sand.

Good Luck!

-fritts

 

The best thing to do is to have rock, then sand. You don't 'need' a sand bed or any substrate for that matter, there are people who go barebottom. A sand bed won't really help to eliminate nitrates, particularly initially. Eventually, anerobic bacteria will develop and they will help with the nitrates, but you will need a deep sand bed for that. Keep in mind a deep sand may also have problems down the road due to the build up of hydrogen sulfide.

 

How deep IS a 'deep' sandbed?

 

over 6 inches

 

You probably have nigh nitrates because you disposed of all of your sand which held a lot of the beneficial bacteria that consumed the nitrates. I just don't know why you would throw out your sand, regardless of the fact, go read about the good and bad things about no substrate, deep sand beds, etc...

 

Why did you get rid of the live sand?
DSB is great for creating a diverse area with which aerobic and anaerobic bacteria that are either heterotrophic or autotrophic can grow and handle your bioload. Plus a safe haven and residence for a plethora of diverse life, not limited to polychaete worms, microcrustaceans, filter feeders plus a major food source for benthic feeders such as Cucumbers, Shrimp Gobies, Sea Hares, Mandarin and various crabs.
I would put the sand in first then use egg crate and wire ties to create a shelf, so to speak, and then put the live rock on top of the egg crate. This procedure will help to reduce the amount of diffusion and advection carried out in your substrate effecting your water quality(nutrients)!
Just a suggestion! I love deep sand beds, the only thing to be aware of is in the event of a power failure as well as at nighttime, when your lights are off, dissolved oxygen is depleted very quickly!!! Taking action to reduce this likelihood and detrimental outcome is definitely something to look into!
Good Luck!

 

I use a DSB in my refugium because I don't like the look of 6" of sand in the tank. It also allows me to maintain or replace if that ever becomes necessary.

I love the look of sand in the tank. I know some people go bare bottom but I've never seen a bare bottom ocean. My sand is full of so many different types of worms and critters that keep it very clean. I would have kept it.

 

That's the only good place for a DSB in my opinion and experience.