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Shane H 
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Joined: March 09 2003
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 Topic: Plenum
Posted: August 01 2003 at 1:34pm |
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I thought the time was ripe to start another controversial thread!
What does everyone think about the use of a plenum under a DSB (or not so deep sand bed) to encourage anaerobic bacterial growth?
I have had very good luck using plenums. I have yet to have one blow up and cause major problems in my tanks. As I learn more though, I'm beginning to wonder if they are an unnecessary step in establishing a biological filter in my aquarium. I can't imagine ripping my tank down to "undo" my plenum. But - next time ...
Comments - both pro and con definately welcome. I have thick skin - bring it ...
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Brad A.
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Posted: August 01 2003 at 3:30pm |
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Plenum=waste of space.
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tomason
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Posted: August 01 2003 at 3:45pm |
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There are so many successful tanks with and without a plenum, so neither method can be called "wrong".
But because there are so many successful tanks WITHOUT, I didn't bother for my tank.
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John Fletcher
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Posted: August 04 2003 at 8:45am |
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I see no need for a Plenum. I have had a DSB in different tanks for 18 years. My DSB's have been about 3" - 5". I have had no animals mess with the bottom layer of sand. The benefits are the same and even better IMO with a DSB compaired to a Plenum.
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John Fletcher
20 years experience
(Tank of the Month for May 2003)Taking a little break...
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Jake Pehrson
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Posted: August 04 2003 at 9:10am |
 Brad A. wrote:
Plenum=waste of space. |
I agree
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Brad A.
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Posted: August 04 2003 at 10:03am |
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I went to Bob Goeman's presentation on the "plenum" I felt that his scientific explanations were mostly non-sense, speculative and a demonstration of poor laboratory technique (and experimental desiqn). So, as you can tell, I'm not impressed. His words (my opinion) I felt, were to woooo hobbiest who have little/no lab training (to sell a book?). Now he is into this eco-aqualizer scam (Far intra-red hog wash does not "condition water molecules"! This drives me nuts!!
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Brad A.
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Posted: August 04 2003 at 10:10am |
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infra-red, sorry for the typo
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Shane H
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Posted: August 04 2003 at 12:19pm |
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I missed the Bob Goeman presentation, in fact I missed him altogether.
When I first set up my tank I did not have a DSB or plenum. I could not keep a fish alive. Every fish I bought contracted ich and died. I ran into Tom Miller at the LFS and he explained the plenum concept and directed me to his website. I tore down my tank and followed his instructions utilizing a plenum. That solved my fish death problem and as I started buying corals, they lived. So - that's how I started and continue to use a plenum. It is my opinion, that a DSB does the same thing - especially if you seperate the upper and lower layers to keep critters from disturbing the deeper sand. At that time, the internet was not as easily accessible (nor was there as much info) as it is today. Had I known then what I know now - I would not have set up a plenum.
Edited by Shane H
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utahtaper
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Posted: August 04 2003 at 9:40pm |
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DSB's all the way!
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sjlopez39
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Posted: September 01 2003 at 10:30am |
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Having plenums in my tanks have been a good experience for me. I was at the Goemans lecture and I can't tell you for sure if he was woooing or trying to woo anyone. I do recall he was very precise in his directions on how the plenum was to be made.
He included info on the material to be used for the screen, even the mesh size. The substrate to be used with a plenum had to be special reef grade aragonite sand. He explained that should these specifications not be met that it could lead to problems.
There is a video in our library of this lecture. If it is not available anymore I have a copy if anyone wants to see it.
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Keep your hands and arms inside the tank and enjoy the ride!
Steve
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