Want a DSB

Discussion in 'Sand' started by tdk76, Jul 29, 2009.

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  1. tdk76

    tdk76 Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2009
    Messages:
    50
    Location:
    starkville MS.
    Thats what im going to get it from. My LFS don't have nothing but old stuff like its rusty old. Just in it for the money.
    Thanks
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. AZDesertRat

    AZDesertRat Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2009
    Messages:
    3,904
    Location:
    Phoenix AZ
    A DSB should be 3-5" deep and if anything err on the deeper side. It should not be rinsed since it is the fines or smaller materials that are desireable, you want the silt basically to support colonizing bacteria. Once it is installed it should not be disturbed or stirred as you release anaerobic bacteria which can kill your tank. If it must be cleaned, vacuum only a very small portion at a time over several days or weeks even and then only 1/4 to 1/2" deep again so you don't disturb the anaerobic (oxygen starved) bacteria.
    If you move it from one tank to another or from a bucket to a tank you mix the bacterias up and it releases toxic gasses. Its easiest to start with dry aragonite sand and seed it with a few cups of real live sand from a friends tank and some live rock, it will take off in no time.