garf bullet proof reef set ?

[alrmc4]

ok at it again ,really need to stop reading, think all i do is confuse myself . how many of you are using the garf bullet proof reef set up with a Plenum Sand Bed

 

[reefrunner69]

Hey Lor, I have never used a plenum, but if set up properly they will work, pretty much like a dsb. I'd also like to say, if you keep this up, your gonna make yourself crazy, LOL. IMO, if you were looking to choose between a DSB and a plenum system I would go with a DSB.

 

[alrmc4]

i am going crazy!! set up now per advice of lfs 56 bow corner, ugf,aqua clear canaster filter..amazingly enough have managed to keep alive...1 damsel 5+ years,1 bi color blenny 3+ years,1 marron clown 2+ years,1 spotted hawk 1year and 2 cleaner shrimp 1 turbo snail and a few hermits...i just want to give them the best they deserve it after living in this sewage hole for all this time :?

 

[loganj]

GARF is also running some tanks with DSB's. During a phone conversation with Leroy, he said either system works well for them. I agree with reefrunner. Given the choice, I'd go with the DSB.

 

[alrmc4]

thanks much, am i driving you all nuts yet i know i am my hubby. have it narrowed down to dsb or ssb in main tank and dsb in sump/ref...now i just have to decide....i think without anymore research

 

[reefrunner69]

thanks much, am i driving you all nuts

Nah, it's kinda fun, and certainly is refreshing to see someone asking questions and researching before hand rather than after the damage is done.

 

[loganj]

FWIW, my coral tanks are stacked 20's. They are set up in the same fashion as a show tank with a sump. I have a DSB in the bottom tank and a SSB in the top tank on both units. It has worked quite well so far. Nitrates have remained at 0 and these tanks since the cycle completed. They all have fish and are heavily fed with phytoplankton and "blender mush" for the corals.

 

[alrmc4]

ok loganj i am def leaning your way hope you can catch me when i fall over....your ssb 1 in 2? do you stir and clean? do you keep sand critters in there could i still have a happy goby with that little sand...i am sure i will come up with some more questions but that will do for now....thanks

 

[louis]

If you have a couple of hours to read a good thread that takes the plenum and DSB and adds a twist go to http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=289910&perpage=25&pagenumber=1 You may have to register first. The title is DSB Heresy. I will be using this method on my 150 gal setup that I'm currently working on

 

[loganj]

Lori,
Sorry for the delay in answering...I miss posts sometime because I'm nearly crazy trying to keep up with a full time job, 3 daughters, and Captive Raised Corals. They're going to come home and find me quivering in the corner one of these days .
I have a DSB in the lower tank with sugar sized sand. The upper tanks have Carib Sea Seaflor Grade for a substrate. I don't vacuum any of it. I see quite a few pods and bristle worms in the upper tank with the SSB. They keep it pretty clean. I've had some hair algae problems lately and I do pull it out with the Python when I do water changes. Overall, this system has worked out well so far. I just need 2000 gal tanks instead of 20's.