Sand dilemma is got me reeling!!!

[para306]

I have discussed in my build thread the intent to try and start my tank with no sand and sterile rock. Admittedly a fan boy of Ryan on BRStv and following his build thread for his dream tank, he has made me rethink this as he has had no success with this method.

Or has his experience made me change my mind?

I have spent the past week trying to find information, build threads, articles, etc... regarding sand in general. My question is, If I have a large sand bed (80lbs) in my refugium will it have the same impact on bacteria propagation in the entire system, especially during cycling?

My gut and common sense says no. The lighting is different. The flow is different. Location after the prefilter (If I don’t have the refugium where the overflow dumps). I have the space to do what I need for plumbing and maintenance. I have drawn more than 10 different plumbing ideas and this knowledge will help me to narrow it down before I start my plumbing. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Ghost25]

I would say yes, provided the surface area and flow is comparable. Usually a refugium doesn't have the same surface area as a display, and I suspect a deeper sand bed would behave differently than a larger thinner one due to the increased anaerobic zone. But over all I think it is viable.

 

[para306]

Thanks for your response @Ghost25.

I’m looking to turn my 88gal DT over at 3X-5X an Hour. The plan is a mixed reef eventually so I plan to have my flow 30X-50X with the SPS getting what they need. I have read articles and successful reefers say that the refugium should have less turn over or risk improper nutrient control. The rabbit hole is deep on refugiums! LOL

 

[para306]

With the aquascape and coral husbandry I have in mind it will be eventually difficult to maintain a sand bed in the DT. I am not against putting sand in the DT. My plan is to have this tank up for as many years as possible. I have a sneaking suspicion that tanks that fail after two or three years has to do with the sand bed becoming toxic in that time frame due to overgrowth and crowding preventing proper maintenance. No one wants to start chopping away at their large established colonies after they have invested so much time and money into getting their tank established and full. If not putting sand in the DT can help with my longevity I am willing to do whatever it takes in the beginning to gain success in the long run.

 

[Ghost25]

I think the claims about sand beds causing collapse were mostly about deep sand beds with large anaerobic zones. I have always had a ~1" sand bed. After 2 years it was looking a bit dirty which coincided with a move so I replaced it. Personally I like the sand bed because it provides area for beneficial bacteria and habitat for various sand sifters.

I had a bare bottom for about 3 weeks before I added sand and it quickly became clear that detritus accumulation quickly ruined the clean glass look.

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

I believe the sand provides diversity. Its another area or enviroment. Above and below the sand.
I think people just look for an out and that their own excuse for tank failure or crash. It is usually the lack of maintence and or dosing.
D