adding sand on top of cc?

[chelo]

I was talking to the owner of the LFS and we were discussing a nitrate problem that i have; he told me to do a big water change to help lower my nitrates, but when i mentioned if i should switch over to sand he told me it was easier to just add a layer of sand on top of th CC and that would prevent food from getting trapped inside the CC. He mentioned a sand bed of about 3" to 4" deep.

Is this a good idea? Will it work??

thanks

 

[TekCat]

Over time crushed coral will find its way to the top of the sand. And you'll be battling nitrates again because of the coarse substrate. IMO, remove totally CC and replace it with fine sand.

 

[nightOwl]

chelo,
I agree with TekCat. I tried that before and it makes the problem worse. I a;sp suggest you remove the cc completely as it turns into a nitrate fatory over time.

Henry

 

[BlackOnyx]

I agree 2nd, and dont u use a skimmer?

 

[NCreefwannabe]

If you have more sand than CC it can work, some people use a few cups of CC for some of their fish. Like a jawfish needs bigger stuff to burrow in and so do other fish.