New tank build    12/30/11
Hay crew!
<Larson>
I'm planing <planning> a new tank / revamping my current system.  I have a new 55 gallon tank that I'm starting, and I plan to tie it into my current 20 gallon nano system, with a 10 gallon display tank and a 10 gallon sump.
<Mmm, this sump is too small... the transit volume (water in play... "running" downhill should/when the pump, power fails, will overwhelm it... and if the power comes back on, the 10 will be pumped dry, burning out the pump likely>
 I'm going to keep my 10 gallon tank, and use my other 20 gallon tank as my new sump
<Oh!? Much better>
and just connect all 3 tanks together.  I was thinking about putting in a 5 gallon bucket RDSB within that system for nitrate removal. 
<Mmm, worth trying>
I was curious if you have any opinions on the use of RDSB.
<Oh yes. Have seen these in place in small hobbyist systems to huge commercial/industrial. Can/do work... But do require watching (so they don't over-clog) and periodic back washing/rinsing/cleaning>
 I was also planning on a cycle less set up of the 55 by just adding dry base rock to the new tank and seeding it with a few pieces from my small tank. 
<Sounds good>
Thanks for your fish tank wisdom!
<Mmm, maybe knowledge... am still waiting/hoping for wisdom... and I better hurry!>
Best regards.
<And you, Bob Fenner>

RDSB Advice - Calfo's Technique 11/3/11
Anthony Calfo,
Just wanted to say thanks for your help by posting information about the RDSB on various websites. I am currently running a 32 gallon brute filled about 70% with oolite sand (fed by a Maxijet 1200), for my 125 gallon display, although I am not sure if an increase in flow is needed.
There is no detritus accumulation - there is a sock beforehand. I was simply curious if more flow would be better - say a Mag 6 instead. Or does flow not matter so long as no waste builds up in the RDSB?
<Adrian, Anthony has not been with us for quite some time. He can be reached at
readingtrees@yahoo.com . James (Salty Dog)>
Regards,
Adrian
RDSB Advice - Calfo's Technique 11/7/11
> Anthony Calfo,
> Just wanted to say thanks for your help by posting information about
> the RDSB on various websites. I am currently running a 32 gallon
> brute filled about 70% with oolite sand (fed by a Maxijet 1200), for my 125
> gallon display, although I am not sure if an increase in flow is needed.
> There is no detritus accumulation - there is a sock beforehand. I was
> simply curious if more flow would be better - say a Mag 6 instead. Or
> does flow not matter so long as no waste builds up in the RDSB?
> <Adrian, Anthony has not been with us for quite some time. He can be reached at
> readingtrees@yahoo.com. James (Salty Dog)>
> Regards,
> Adrian
Thanks James - although no response from him - would you care to give advice?
<Adrian, I'm not familiar with Anthony's RDSB so I cannot comment other than suggest a flow rate of at least 350gph. Have you seen this?
http://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic59558-13-1.aspx
James (Salty Dog)>
Re RDSB Advice - Calfo's Technique 11/8/11
James,
<Adrian>
That is a great article. I have read it yes, however I am unable to find any information about the flow (other than keeping it fast enough to not allow detritus to settle) when you are using a filter sock beforehand. In my case, there is no chance that detritus can settle, so I am unsure of flow or how much water can be above the sand. Many people were not using a pre-filter sponge or a filter sock, and thus had to move the water quickly over the top of the sand, but I have a good 5-7 inches of water above my sand - which is in a Rubbermaid brute bin.
<Sounds like you're on the right track.>
Also, my nitrates are reading about 7, when I thought they would be 0 (as I have 180+lbs of RDSB), although I have a hard time comparing the color charts on Salifert's test kits and then dividing by 10 (low range tests).
<Is better to have a low amount of nitrates present in the system as clams and some corals benefit by this. Yes, the Salifert kit is difficult to read on the low range due to the very small sample being tested. Of all the NO3 kits I've used in the past, the LaMotte kit is the best but is on the pricey side. James (Salty Dog)>
All The Best