Sand bed for refugium

[gordob]

How deep is ideal for the sand bed in a refugium? From what I've read, it seems like it should be at least 5" for denitrification to really work; or 1" or less if you can't have a deep bed.

What are some thoughts/experiences on this?

Thanks,
Brad

 

[sharkbait]

My fuge sand bed is around the 5" mark. Thats what I have always gone with and it has done well for me.

 

[jbadd99]

I'm still a n00b in this hobby, but I made mine ~5 inches... everything I read said 4-6" to have any benefit.

 

[johnmackay70]

I ran a 6" bed for years on a 75 gallon system (40 gallon sump) back in the day...it worked very well for me. It helped buffer and stabalize Ca level. Every 6-9 months I did have to add about an inch of sand to the sump (as the bottom layer of sand had dissolved), but that was easy...turn off the return pump, pull out LR pour in sand, let the sand/particulates settle, put back the LR and turn pump back on.

I have not had a tank in a while, but I should have my current build up in a few months (40 gallon display, 75 sump) - I plan on a 6" DSB in the sump

 

[carpenter981]

ive never ran a refugium but im planning a new sump soon that will include one. After all that Ive read Im going with a ~5" sand bed.

 

[gordob]

Thanks for the responses! I'm going to shoot for a 6" bed.

- Brad