shallow vs deep sand bed, need guidance

[otrlynn]

I'm setting up a new 58 gallon tank but will be moving the contents of my 29 gallon tank to it. The 29 gallon is 6 months old in its current location. 29 Gallon has crushed coral. 58 gallon will have argonite sand. I have been trying to decide whether to go with a deep or shallow sand bed. I have read that after a number of years deep sand beds lose their effectiveness and will need to be replaced, also that they can be a source of toxic gasses that build up in the lowest level of the sand. Though in another place I read that these gasses do not escape into the aquarium. I thought that I read somewhere that one should go w/ really shallow i.e. 1--1.5 inches or at least 4---that there is some reason that the going in between those two depths would not be good at all. I can't find that reference though...did I imagine it??? I will not have a sump, if that helps with the answer. Also, does the sand need to be rinsed before putting it in the tank? If so, what is the best way to do this?

[demonsp]

In a reef tank with 1 to 1.5 lbs per gallon of LS and the right cleanup crew and flow the LS will convert nitrate into harmless nitrogen. The cleanup crew will sift and stir the sand keeping it clean and avoiding the toxic gases.

[mg426]

Can you use the 29 as a sump/refugium ?? If so make the refugium section with a DSB. I dont really care for the DSB look in the display,but if you do there ids another optiion.

[bertoni]

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...hreadid=803688

That thread has some notes I wrote on the topic.

[rhoptowit]

to make sure the toxic gases dont build up cant u use a plenum?

[01saleen]

its all personal preference, i personally use the old school method 1 pound of sand per gallon of water, and i have always stayed that way. my friend went bare bottom tank with no sand, and he has no problems, its actually one of the best systems i've seen. Good Luck..

[otrlynn]

Thanks to all for the responses. Bertoni, thanks for the great link. I'm sure there is a wealth of info already here on Reef Central--I just don't know how to access it. I have not had any luck getting on the "Search" feature. I am not planning to have a sump at this time due to lack of space as well as lack of plumbing "know-how". I am only vaguely familiar with a plenum and will have to look into how this is set up. Anyway, I just read in one of the links from Bertoni that a DSB is not compatible with sand sifting stars (I have one) and hermit crabs as they will eat the DSB beneficial inhabitants. So---it will be shallow.

[spike78]

Here is another good resource on DSB's:

http://www.ronshimek.com/Deep%20Sand%20Beds.htm