confused with condlicting info

[jellis_38]

I just started a 55 gal tank. I am new so I have bee following LFS advice and did not find this site until after I started, first mistake. I have a 55gal tank with water 40 lbs of live rock and 20 pounds of crushed coral. Using a Refugeum as a filter. I have read here to use sand and lots of for your substrate. The LFS recommended the crushed coral. I would like to end up with a reef tank and not a fish only tank. Can I add sand, remove crushed coral, or what. I am now at a stand still till I figure this out. don't want to waste anymore money of stuff like crushed coral if not needed. Thanks

 

[PhilOlsen]

Crushed coral is OK for a fish only set up, but for a reef or FOWLER I only use sand, the coral substrate may become a nitrate issue as time goes by without cleaning all of it regularly which will remove any critters that should inhabit it to help support FOWLERS and reefs. Sand will also act as a natural buffer, IMO

 

[luke33]

Yea, take out the cc and add sand. No worries, it could have been alot worst.

 

[jellis_38]

Thank you coral is gone buying sand tomorrow

 

[PhilOlsen]

I keep mine 4-5" deep for a reef, but dont put your rock directly on the sand or burrowing crittes can cause a colapse, I use either PVC pipe or base rock placed on the base of the tank and put the sand around it.