so you are saying that CC is only bad as a substrate, right? I am currently setting up a tank for some friends, and I plan on putting CC in the canister filter. I haven't ever set up a SW tank before, but they haven't ever set up any tank before, so I am helping them. I am the one that does all the research:read:
my personal opinion is that it should not be used at all...Where-ever it is going to be used, it is going to act in exactly the same way, whether its used as the sand bed in a tank, or in a filter...
then what do you use to buffer the water? I am trying to make this system as idiot proof as possible, if the CC is going to give me problems, what should I use instead? I am setting up this tank for my friends as a FOWLR tank, with the possibility of doing an anename(sp. check) or two later on. They know next to nothing about fish, and my own experience is limited to South American Cichlids, and a little bit of African Cichlids. I have managed to keep Discus alive, so I am sure that I can help them set up a successful SW tank.
I mentioned your blog about Crushed Coral to a friend that has used it as a substrate for years with no problems and this is what he said;
"That's why I keep star fish and sea cucumbers in my tank to keep detritus down! It also helps to keep chunks of food from settling on the Crush Coral substrate for long periods of time. A once over with my Python every now and again helps keep my tank healthy and clean. . ."
I dont understand it,I have had crushed coral in my reef tank for over 10 yrs,I never had a problem with it.Crabs,Snails,Shrimp,Starfish,Sea cu's,Copepodes,ect,They will keep a bottom surprisingly clean,along with eating undesirable algae,leftover food,fecal matter.you can always add a refugium tank w/live sand and algae,any filter that uses carbon will help drop ammonia and nitrate levels,but the best way is weekly water changes with R/O supply water and good Marine salt mix.Of course you need to test for EVERYTHING weekly.Add supplements when needed.The main thing is to take it slow and easy.Make changes to you system very slowly.Everyone has different ideals on whats best.Get more than ONE suggestion before you tear your whole system down.I do not think Max has had any luck with crushed coral (by his quote).I do know alot of people that like to use both (mixed c/c and sand).Max is right about c/c loading up,but sand will do the same if you dont stay on top of your system.Good Luck and I wish you a healthy reef system.Rick
Max, I have had CC for over 4 to 6 years. So bottom line your saying I could have better levels if I switch to sand? When cleaning would the sand be sucked up by the python?
What this thread is all about is for people to leave responses on the crushed coral debate. Ultimatly, it is down to each individual to make their own choice of substrate, or lack there of. The main words to note in this thread are "could". People are just leaving their own opinions on whether its good or bad..
