DSB or not

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Good day MASA

I have a predicament, I am upgrading my tank and is considering a DSB. but now my problem is that some swear by it and others say its a waste of time and n probable deathtrap.

I have seen tanks run on DSB and flushing and have seen tanks not running DSB and also looking great.

Now my question, How long does a DSB take to kick in.
The chaimber that I want do use for DSB is 23% of tank, a little small but considering running Matrix with the DSB.
tank size is 700x500x500, DSB chamber is 330x250x300. any advice on this.
 
I would use Matrix in a plastic tub. That would allow you to switch off the return pump, lift and rinse the tub a few times, siphon that chamber clean, refill with saltwater. That would be your water change routine.
 
Hate them, take long to work. Not maintenance free in the long run. Would never use one. Rather get a refuge with lots of macro algae. MY OPINION.
 
Sjoe... this is a hot topic on any marine hobby forum... Good luck with your decision.

For what its worth, I ran one on my 4ft with no issues. and run one on my current tank.
 
I would use Matrix in a plastic tub. That would allow you to switch off the return pump, lift and rinse the tub a few times, siphon that chamber clean, refill with saltwater. That would be your water change routine.

My matrix is n a reactor that uses the return chamber water and then runs through the matrix and then back in the first chamber.
 
I like a DSB, works for me so far. But your area you got is small and that will limit your bioload.

Supplementing with Matrix, or using space above the sand as refugium will help. Good flow across the DSB will help in preventing settlement.

Or suspending more liverock on eggcrate 1 or 2cm above the sand will help as well.
 
they work, but i rather not use them as primary filtration, rather matrix, algae and LR
 
okay, the I think for now I will skip the DSB and continue using my chamber as fuge. maybe lift the 1cm sand bed to 10 cm and use the rest as a fuge. will that make a difference or will that be a waste of space?
 
a combination chamber will work.

Depends on the water depth of that chamber.
 
Uhm now this is a interesting topic I have been going thru the same issue. In my opinion it depends what corals you want to keep softies no probs sps rather not. This is my opinion based on my dsb I took out due to going over to ULN system
 
a combination chamber will work.

Depends on the water depth of that chamber.
Chamber from top to bottom is 270 high. Will a sand bed of 100 and cheato with matrix do the job and is it advised.
 
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