Downsides To Deep Sand Bed Nitrification

[backtotropical]

I am currently setting up a nano-reef and need help deciding whether to go for a shallow sand bed or a deep sand bed to help remove nitrate.

Can anyone give me the 'pros and cons'?

Thanks

BTT

 

[GShorty1981]

I know with deep sand beds like i have (around 5") you can get nasty gasses trapped in 'dead spots' .

 

[SkiFletch]

Can harbor nasties, is difficult to keep clean enough from being unsightly, hard to stack rocks in, and most importantly, probably won't work as intended unless its so deep that it takes away from the look of the display tank. Can you tell I'm not a fan?

 

[xxBarneyxx]

Yeah personally I wouldnt use one in the display tank (I only put a very small layer of sand in the front of my tank). A remote DSB though I think has its merits.

 

[backtotropical]

Thanks a lot Glen, Ski, Barney. Shallow sand bed it is then (that'll save me money on sand too ).

Cheers

BTT