crushed coral in fresh water tank

[JPKeenan]

I have some crushed coral I want to use in a freshwater tank... as part of a coating on a decoration. I was wondering if this would screw up the tank or not?

 

[Lexi_D]

It would raise the pH, but you could use it unless you have sensitive/soft water fish... it's best as a substrate with cichlids though.

 

[BettaFishMommy]

it won't 'screw up' the tank, depending on what you keep in there. crushed coral will buffer your water, making it harder. this is why africa cichlid keepers use it in their tanks.

what is your stocking? that will decide whether or not you can use the crushed coral.

 

[jm1212]

how are you planning on incorporating it into the decor?

are you affixing it to something? if so, i would be more worried about that than if or if not it will buffer my water a bit more.

 

[JPKeenan]

I am thinking maybe one or two cups (cups as in liek what you measure flour for baking in) incorporated/glued on to PVC. It is smooth like gravel. It would be going into a 20g tank, I am not sure what fish I will be be putting into it.

Out of the tap my water has a pH of 7.4.... in my 20g tank it has fluxed between 7.8 and 7.4

 

[dundadundun]

ph seems high enough for most fish to me. i would go against it or decide after final stocking decision is made.

 

[James0816]

CC will raise your PH. I use about 1 cup in all my tanks as the water right out of the well is < 6. I even have it in my water jugs to "prep" the water prior to water changes. PH in all tanks sit around the 7.4 mark.

 

[Star_Rider]

it will really depend on the stocking of your tank.

it will alter the ph to some degree. so keep that in mind.

I personally don't like it as a substrate as it also will clog with detritus and possibly lead to increased nitrate.

 

[JPKeenan]

I was looking at some stuff on pH last night, seems that I am on the high end of the scale coming right out of the tap.

I'll just stick with using the gravel or some sand for the decoration.

 

[JPKeenan]

At least it won't be going to waste the ex's well water is slightly acidic so can use it for my daughter's tank.


My water is a bit high on the pH so gonna pick up some drift wood at the lake before heading out to check out some tanks.