Crushed coral is a problem waiting to happen

**trainedkilla** · 08-13-2007, 8:19 AM

It's all a matter of opinion in the end. I know a guy who runs a aqua zoo and has several beautiful reef tanks. He uses bare large shells and things of that nature to cover the mostly bare bottom. He has had long term success. He is against DSB's. Just another side to look at. I have also used CC as a substrate before for many years with no ill effects and the tank I am currently setting up will also have CC.

However, I thoroughly siphon the substrate weekly with water changes as I keep predator fish and they produce alot of waste.

Just my opinion.

**Weezer** · 08-13-2007, 8:25 AM

I also use cc in our FW setup, some friends of mine have used it for years, I've used it for about a year now, no problems and looks great, i gravel vac once a week with a small wc in between..Iam maintaining a steady ph of 7.8 .............

**srossnz** · 08-30-2007, 8:07 AM

Hi, am I going to have any issues with this? I think it's argonite but not grain sized. here is a snap (just setting up my 25gal tank on day4 and would hate to start off wrong)

**Grins** · 08-30-2007, 8:17 AM

Looks larger than ideal in my opinion. What are you wanting to stock the tank with?

**srossnz** · 08-30-2007, 8:28 AM

About 3 fish, a cleaner shrimp, maybe a few small crabs and snails, some polyps and mushrooms and a few other misc items. I'm not sure I can bring myself to remove it all and add sand instead but i guess if that is the best thing to do i'll have to. Would I just drain the water into a holding area and scoop it out, add sand, re-add the water? /cry

**Grins** · 08-30-2007, 8:49 AM

I'd replace it personally. Easier now than later. The aragonite sand will be easier for the clean up crew to sift through as well as an sand sifting or burrowing fish. And yes I'd drain the water into some large tub, remove the gravel then add the sand. Place a bowl over the sand and refill the water over the sand.

**srossnz** · 08-30-2007, 8:57 AM

not sure i am following you when you say place a bowl over the sand, do you mean when I pour the water back in so that it doesn't stir things up too much? Also, can I leave the rock as is? or do i need to take it out? Took me ages to set it up but I guess the sandbed has to go underneath it? thanks!

**Grins** · 08-30-2007, 8:58 AM

Yes, to avoid the sandstorm. Won't avoid it altogether but it will help.

**srossnz** · 08-30-2007, 5:59 PM

Ok.. well I am going to get rid of this crushed rock and get argonite sand in there instead. Hopefully this will be one of the larger noob mistakes that I make. Not looking forward to the change but I know in the long run it is what's best..