Deep Sand Bed?? Or just sand bed???

[Utradeshow]

Hi Guys.. About 4mths ago I started a 75gal tank with CC as substrate, Well, it looks nasty and holding algea. I am changing to a sand bed, but I'm hearing conflicting things about to "Deep" or not to "Deep". The LFS says to go abot 1 to 1 1/2 inch sand bed???

I have 70lbs LR
wet dry filter
12x Circulation (Various Powereheads)
Remora Urchin Pro Skimmer

So do I really need the Benifits of a DSB?? I don't want the CRASH Later on

 

[mattmku]

i'm facing the same decision as you except in a much smaller tank. I'm leaning toward only about an 1 - 1 1/2 inch bed because of lack of space in my 20 gallon. From what i've read a DSB has its benefits but only if done correctly. In my opinion there are much simpler and more attractive ways of lowering nitrates like a refugium.

 

[IfoundNemo]

I got 2" PS, 1" LS, 90lbs BR/LR and it looks just about right in my 75gal.

 

[PiscesLou]

yeah that CC when not vacumed often looks nasty, dont it! I started with CC about nine months ago, now I have a 3 to 4 inch base of LS.I dont use a UGF I think its just preferance, IMO, sand looks more natural to me, as far as cleaning I just brush off the top and clean the area where the sand and tank wall meets.benifits of a DSB?Who really knows?Too many facts and opinions on both sides, gave me a headache when reasearching, this is what I know about a DSB, My fish are healthy, my tank parameters are good(could be better) and I havent had to use a vacume since I changed.Do what you think

 

[lando]

It is really up to you. The advantage of a DSB is it helps with removing nitrates. However, with enought LR you do not need it. Some say that a DSB can captue pockets of toxic gas that will eventually be released into your tank causing a rapid flucuation in water parameters. If you are worried about that, go with a 2 inch sand bed and bump up the LR to 130-150lbs. That should be enough to process your nitrates.