DSB in a fuge

Duff Man · 07/21/2008, 08:43 PM

I am putting together a new sump that will have a fuge section that will measure approximately 12" by 18". I currently have a 75 gallon tank and the sump is a 30 gal. Is the fuge section large enough for a DSB to have an effect on the tank? Also, 4-5 inches of sand is the correct depth, right?

FranktheTankTx · 07/21/2008, 11:25 PM

Plenty big enough. And I'd shoot for 5-6" minimum.

psteeleb · 07/22/2008, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by FranktheTankTx
Plenty big enough. And I'd shoot for 5-6" minimum.

agree with Frank - go with 5-6" or more

size needed is very driven by the amount of nitrates that can't be process by the live rock and macro algea. If your other biological filters are handling most nitrates a small DSB is all that is needed. If your other biological filtration can only handle a small amount of the nitrates a larger DSB is needed to harbor the anaerobic bacteria. HTH

Duff Man · 07/22/2008, 11:48 AM

My nitrates are pretty much in check. A DSB is also helpful in reducing phosphates, correct? That's what's causing me problems now despite RO/DI, phosban reactor and vodka dosing for 1.5 months.

psteeleb · 07/22/2008, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Duff Man
My nitrates are pretty much in check. A DSB is also helpful in reducing phosphates, correct? That's what's causing me problems now despite RO/DI, phosban reactor and vodka dosing for 1.5 months.

not that I'm aware of, a DSB provides low oxygen areas for anaerobic bacteria to live. the anaerobic bacteria consume nitrates.

phosphate issues are usually realted to; tap water (or non RO/DI), too much feeding, not enough cleanup crew, flake food, some types of carbon or underskimming.

Have your levels been dropping?

usually running GFO in a phosban reactor takes care of things.

Duff Man · 07/22/2008, 06:01 PM

I don't test for phosphate because I have algae. The algae hasn't spread much at all, so I think things have leveled out, but I just can't kick the algae. I did start the vodka very low at .5 ml for 2 weeks, 1 ml for 2 weeks, 2 ml for 2 weeks and have just started 3 ml since things weren't working out. I saw Mike Paleta speak and this is very close to what he did proportionately on his tank as far as I could tell.

07/21/2008, 08:43 PM	#1
Duff Man Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Chicago's far NW burbs Posts: 629	DSB in a fuge I am putting together a new sump that will have a fuge section that will measure approximately 12" by 18". I currently have a 75 gallon tank and the sump is a 30 gal. Is the fuge section large enough for a DSB to have an effect on the tank? Also, 4-5 inches of sand is the correct depth, right?

07/21/2008, 11:25 PM	#2
FranktheTankTx Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 2,306	Plenty big enough. And I'd shoot for 5-6" minimum. __________________ Frank the Tank "What, I thought we were in the trust tree... in the nest? Are we not?" Current Tank Info: Custom Rimless 60g (30.5"x24.5"x18.5")

07/22/2008, 11:48 AM	#4
Duff Man Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Chicago's far NW burbs Posts: 629	My nitrates are pretty much in check. A DSB is also helpful in reducing phosphates, correct? That's what's causing me problems now despite RO/DI, phosban reactor and vodka dosing for 1.5 months.

07/22/2008, 06:01 PM	#6
Duff Man Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Chicago's far NW burbs Posts: 629	I don't test for phosphate because I have algae. The algae hasn't spread much at all, so I think things have leveled out, but I just can't kick the algae. I did start the vodka very low at .5 ml for 2 weeks, 1 ml for 2 weeks, 2 ml for 2 weeks and have just started 3 ml since things weren't working out. I saw Mike Paleta speak and this is very close to what he did proportionately on his tank as far as I could tell.