Setting Up A Plenum sandbed,Jaubert's Method "Monaco Sy

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fnscasey

Aquarium Advice Regular
Joined
Sep 9, 2003
Messages
56
Location
singapore
Hi frens,

With reference to the article by Julian Sprung
- Jaubert's Method, the "Monaco System," Defined and Refined

URL: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/sep...002/feature.htm

I want to setup a DSB (Deep Sand Bed) for several reasons,
such as keeping jawfish, sand shifting gobies, denitrification etc
However, the dread of hydrogen sulfide building up in the DSB, and one
day going "bomb" really make me think twice abt the DSB.
Is there any basis for this "fear"???

The above article advices setting up a plenum of abt 2-3cm below the
DSB. The purpose of the plenum is, I quote,

There is some explanation for this of course, so my testimonial is not simply in support of a mysterious phenomenon. The plenum provides a layer of water that maintains a level of dissolved oxygen above zero. Therefore the gravel in Jaubert's system is sandwiched between the highly oxygenated aquarium water circulating above it, and the plenum water, which maintains a low but generally stable level of dissolved oxygen. Being sandwiched between these oxygenated zones tends to prevent the formation of hydrogen sulfide, a common occurrence in deep sand beds without a plenum.


There has been some evidence that DSB, after operating for 2+ years tend to crash after buildup of heavy metals or just simple deitrus and hydrogen sulfide buildup.

Plenums systems are supposed not to be subject to this tank crash syndrome.
Hence, like to hear from reefers about DSB, is it a time bomb that we are
keeping.[/quote]
 
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