DSB: how deep is deep enough?

[sunnymau]

i m setting up a new tank and wish to have a DSB in my main tank. how thick should the sand bed be? my tanl 60cm by 60cm by70cm(H).

[silverfish]

4 inch should be enough.

[Weapon_Master]

Some recommended 6 inches. But then again if you have a big tank, that will be alot of sand.

Some opted for DSB only in the sump. Probably less sand is needed in this case as compared to DSB for the whole tank. This will work provide u hv a sump.

[sunnymau]

i do have a sump but only 1ft in height. i intended to do refugium in mine sump. can i mix DSB and refugium together in the sump?

[chrislwp]

I read that after some time, the DSB will be thinner cause the sandbed become more compact.

It happens to mine, can see a drop in 1" already.

[Acanthurus pyroferus]

some say that the grain size is important too. Just added 2 more bags to my main tank as the sand bed wasn't thick enough. I think it's about 5' now still one more inch to go....

[alanseah]

well some say 4" will do..while some say 6" is then call DSB..

and some even say DSB might crash in the long run..

well it's all up to one.. dont think there is any right or wrong when come to DSB

[Weapon_Master]

i do have a sump but only 1ft in height. i intended to do refugium in mine sump. can i mix DSB and refugium together in the sump?

I have personally seen DSB with refugium together and there are no big issue.

[agentK]

I read that after some time, the DSB will be thinner cause the sandbed become more compact.

It happens to mine, can see a drop in 1" already.

Also, Aragonite dissolves in the water at minute levels over time which actually gives it it's buffering ability. You will be adding some over time to maintain the ideall depth.

Also, 4" upwards is the reccomended size for fine sand. You can check this link out. DSB

Or this one Bawater just suggested to me. DSB_2

HTH!