The display will not have an aragonite based DSB due to the high cost of the sand since Southdown is no longer available. I will most likely use a shallow aragonite substrate of 1/2".

Amanda-
20+ years tropical fish experience, 6 years saltwater, 3 years reef
Current tanks: 47 gal extra tall reef, 30 gal anemone tank, prop system under construction

we will have to make some presumptions here about your bioload (not excessive) and your husbandry (regular water changes, etc), but I will suggest the following:

An RDSB (remote deep sand bucket/bed) of the volume 1-15 gallons minimum (120-150lbs of fine sand... the equivilent of two five gallon buckets for example or one larger one of course) will likely accomplish the NNR (natural nitrate reduction) that we can expect to see from such applications (to all reading this thread.. see the other RDSB threads in the list under discussions for the "Fav links..." sticky atop this forum).

As for buffering... that's a bit more difficult to say as it is far more complex and relative to the needs of the calcifying organisms in the tank, rates of calcification dependant on your very reliable dosing or not, what you are supplementing with (Ca reactor, reagents, etc). That all said... I'm guessing that your 10gall RDSB would need to be a lot bigger to make a dent here if the display had no aragonite and the live rock was not plentiful and/or the fish or feeding level was heavy. Even if none of that were so, I would strongly suggest you invest in buying or building a calcium reactor. For a tank this size and the investment you will already be making... I don't see why you would not, my friend. It will be a great asset to buffering and stability in the system.

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Anthony Calfo

Your assumptions are correct.

I will be investing in a calcium reactor then. The article I read stated that a kalk reactor + calcium reactor or kalk reactor + aragonite sand bed would be needed. I will choose the former and reserve the DSB in a bucket for denitrification purposes only.

I didn't realize how much more I needed to learn until I started planning this system. Between all the equipment that I have never used and researching the specific specimens for the biotope, I am learning something new every day. I love it!
I am hoping this tank will impress beginners and advanced aquarists alike and hopefully influence a few others to choose a biotope approach.

Thank you once again Anthony.

 

Amanda-
20+ years tropical fish experience, 6 years saltwater, 3 years reef
Current tanks: 47 gal extra tall reef, 30 gal anemone tank, prop system under construction

All reef-keeping skills!

.

Anthony Calfo