DSB Advice?

[NaCl_H2O]

I have my new tanks starting up, and the virgin DSB in place. It is a 80/20 mixture of
80=CaribSea Aragamax Oolitic Select Reef Sand: 0.5-1.02mm grain size
20=CaribSea Aragamax Grand Bahama Reef Sand: 0.2-1.2mm

The Grand Bahama is mostly sugar sized with lots of shells & rubble.

The DSB is a litle "deeper" than I planned, at about 6" deep! My tanks are 29" tall, so I still have plenty of depth for aquascaping & inhabitants.

I have used a 2-3" DSB previously, and wondering if I should remove some of the DSB (down to 4" or so) or stay with the 6"? It just looks like a BUNCH of sand!!!

Any pros/cons from folks that use (or have used) a 6" DSB would be appreciated!

Oh yea, for those with a DSB - do you just place Live Rock on top of the DSB, try to build a PVC platform, or partially bury the first layer of LR?

Thx - Steve

[JimD]

A six inch sandbed is fine, you'll notice over time that it will compact an inch or so, Id leave it. I dont bother with any kind of sub-structure to place the rock on, try to have as few "contact" points between the rock and the sand and have as many open areas to allow for flow and keep dead spots to an absolute minimum.

[matt]

I agree with Jim, but I would say that I found my tank much healthier after building a PVC structure to allow for more flow in and around, and especially behind, the rock structure. If you can get that without the PVC structure it's fine.

[NaCl_H2O]

I agree with Jim, but I would say that I found my tank much healthier after building a PVC structure to allow for more flow in and around, and especially behind, the rock structure. If you can get that without the PVC structure it's fine.

These tanks are 24" deep (front to back), and I don't plan to have rock touching ANY of the glass. They will be viewable from both sides. The closed loops should keep water flowing around all sides, and through the rock to the extent I can accomplish a good aquascape.

How's that sound Matt? I REALLY don't like the PVC route!