Remembering that my main DSB on the new system, is a 'remote 24x24x15" DSB situated as the first section of the tower sump assembly, directly under the main overflow tank. It was always my intention 'as with previous systems' to pre-mature this DSB, 'prior' to the main tank even being built. This  offers the tank a valuable pre-matured method of filtration as soon as it is brought online, and hopefully reduce the possibility 'or intensity' of problem algae cycles as the main tank matures.

15/09/06

The first job of all, was to fill the DSB area with pre mixed salt water to the correct salinity and temperature leaving enough room for the impending sand. I left this mixing for 24 hours  with a powerhead and heater, to stabilise before putting the first layers of sand in. It was intentional to add sand to water rather than visa versa due to the fact that using such a fine substrate would cause air pockets to get trapped in the lower sand layers or even worse cause the top layers to bind under the weight of water above leaving dry sand underneath. (much like pouring water onto a pile of cement, or flour)

Image 1 shows the water maturing. Image 2 shows the ultra fine aragonite sand used in the bottom layers. Made by Seachem, this very fine sand has a fluidic consistency much like 'silt' when wet, and was added to a depth of 2-3" as shown in image 3.

 In image 4 we can see the 'Aragamax select' substrate used for the bulk of the DSB which has a slightly courser but still sub 0.25cm  grain size.. this was built up a further 3-4" as shown in image 5.

18/09/06

 In image 6 we can see how cloudy the water has become from all the aragonite dust. At this stage, its advisable to clear this using either a canister filter packed with floss, or a powerhead with built in filter strainer using floss as I did.  It took approximately 48hrs to clear this completely. I would strongly advise against adding any life during this period as the increased levels of powdery sediment can cause a big decrease in the levels of dissolved 02, and excessive pH fluctuations

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21/09/06

In Image 7,  I have added the first 'live' layer of sand. This was the top 1" of sand taken from an existing and very healthy sand bed in my nano tank hence the worm activity.. There was also a quantity of LR added for just a couple of weeks to encourage further life. I would advise 'Not' to leave large lumps of LR on 'any' sand bed for too long after setting up though, This will cause compaction of the sand underneath. but as a temporary addition it should be fine with new sand beds. You will also note a quantity of Cheatomorphyllia algae as well. This was introduced to help limit excessive swings as the bed cycles which would otherwise damage the life I was trying to encourage. Just like fish and lower invertebrates, excessive spikes in ammonia can be just as detrimental. Once the bed has settled and the first traces of worm activity within the sand is witnessed, this algae will be moved to another section of the sump to keep the DSB area free, and to allow it to be run 'un-lit' to encourage an increase in critter activity over the full 24 hour cycle.

In image 8, You can see the first stirrings of life. with fan worms starting to sprout.

In images 9 and 10 you can see the sand bed after just 4 weeks of activity, with clear stratification lines showing as bacteria start to work. From the second day after the live sand was added, I was feeding the bed every other day with a pinch of high protein pellet and a mussel once per week to boost things along. Always remember, that the key to a successful bed, is to feed it in the early stages. This will encourage a faster population growth and consequently, a far more effective bed in the long run.

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( * ) This will show once the main tank has been filled with water and LR, and connected to the DSB.

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