What sand for remote DSB

[TheReefGeek]

Very slowly, yes. But you still should suppliment properly (buffers, calc reactor, kalk reactor).

The point of an RDSB is to be a cheap way to hopefully decrease nitrates, but if you can afford aragonite, go for it, it is a better choice for sure.

[Bartman]

Has anyone here actually done this (RDSB) yet? Just wondering what results, pitfalls, experience you might be able to share.

[TheReefGeek]

I have been following the very large thread on RC, and there have been people who have experienced drops in nitrates, and a few people here on CanReef have gotten posative results as well. It takes about 4 weeks or more for those who have seen results.

As for pitfalls:

1. Don't overdue your bulkheads (too much flow)
2. Cover the pail so you minimize algae growth in the bucket
3. Put a larger grain sand on top so your sand doesn't blow around
4. Input water should be pre-filtered so you dont get waste build up in your bucket, skimmer output works well

[mark]

A remote DSB can also be just be partitioned section in your sump with sand. Get some critters (pods) or macroalgea and your sump is now also a refugium.

You'll probably find that more common, successful and beneficial than a 5g pail full of sand.

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/refugium.htm

[TheReefGeek]

That would be a bit different, but as long as the sand bed is at least 8" deep you should get the same benefits.