No DSB=No Sand at All?

[robwsup]

Anyone out there using a shallow sand bed instead? I want to rid my tank of its DSB, but want to use some new sand in a 1/2" to 1" depth.

[dwall174]

That's what I plan to do this fall when I move & set my tank back up. I'm also going to set-up a refugium & will be using This (http://www.kentmarine.com/mb6.html) as substrate for the fuge.

And as far as the main tank I only plan on around 1 inch of
This (http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=CS0050)

[G-money]

I just set up my new system 2 weeks ago and used about 2" of Southdown with a light coating of crushed coral. I obviously can't report anything long term, but at least you aren't alone! :D

My main goal was to still keep nitrate ultra low, but not have the unsightly DSB mess. This tank won't likely be up long enough to succumb to the OTS, so that wasn't the issue. Plus, now that I've had the experience of removing a DSB, the choice was that much easier! Another factor was that I had to get the new system up rather quickly. I had some friends hold my favorite corals for me, and I didn't have 6-9 months to kill waiting for a DSB to mature.

I used a DSB in the last tank, but not a "Dr. Ron certified" DSB. I didn't renew critter stock and it was only about 5" deep. Nitrate was always low and there were no major problems. But I didn't feed super heavy as recommended, either. Essentially, I'm doing the same thing I did before, but with about 4" less sand and no $100 detritivore kit. IMO, bristleworms are your best scavenger anyway...

I also have a 40 gallon stock tank as a sump and put an acrylic box in it which covers most of the area. In the box I have about 7" of Southdown, some hermits, and rubble rock. I may seed this area at some point.

[robwsup]

Thanks!