DSB maintenance

[truck0000]

I have some diatome on the sand bed and would like to get a few critters that will turn over the sand. I know there is a goby but I dont know its name. Any other critter suggestion would be appreciated. I dont think my tank is old enough for a fighting Counch.

Thanks,

[::pete::]

The goby will put sand all over not just turn it. Try some of the large nassarius snails or a sand sifting star

[hobogato]

i was having a little problem with my sandbed, once i got a sand star, they went away.

[Thunderkat]

If your tank is not old enough just give it some time (diatoms grow like crazy initally then fade) and when your tank is ready for a fighting conch you can add one if you still have the diatoms.

[TexasTodd]

From Ace " was having a little problem with my sandbed, once i got a sand star, they went away."

Yes, ME TOO! So I got rid of it!!!

Todd :skeezy

[Reef69]

Dont go with the goby, it will just cover your rockwork with sand. I have a sand sifting star aswell, they do a great job..

[hobogato]

actually, im gonna go BB when i set up the 240. only sand in my system will be in my fuge.

[brewercm]

I always liked the fighting conch's myself. They will stir up the sandbed really good but don't eat the pods and good stuff you want in there like the sand stars will.

[TexasTodd]

Hey Ace, as you know, there's now right or wrong way to run a tank IMO.

But, the bare bottom method is NO sand whatsoever in any part of your system. The fuge/sump areas are used to settle out any detritus that doesn't get skimmed. They you siphon this stuff out off the bare bottom in these areas.

Don't worry about pods. I still have TONS and a very happy 1 year old (with me) Mandarin Goby. :) He's been through two red bug treatments....one of which was in the BB set up! Lots to eat still.

The only thing you may want to do if you're still worried about nutrients is put some -----darn can't think of the name! The algae that is dark green and grows in the ball form without needing sand....like Donny has in his ref in the laundry room.

Todd

[Henry]

its cheato todd.

[jaded]

that cheato fuge is cool!!!

I have a diamond goby that I got from abel... he's a mess but he does a good job of sifting. HE NEVER STOPS
I really love the large nassarius snails but I dont know where to get more.

[hobogato]

well, my main reason for having no sand in my display when i get a new tank is the scratches that it causes on the inside of the glass. i still like the benefits of a DSB (which i dont really have now). i am gonna be calling you (todd) about that white stuff in your tank as the time gets nearer.

[TexasTodd]

Sounds good Ace!

Cheato, Cheato, Cheato. :)

Todd

[gjuarez]

I got rid of my sandbed and it was worked well for me. I agree with Todd, a barebottom tank should have lots of flow and no dead spots so that all detritus can settle in the sump where it can easily be siphoned out. I would combine that with an adequate skimmer. SOrry if we went off topic.