Seahorselover68
New member
Hello everyone, I am new to this hobby and could really use some help. I have had a saltwater tank for 5 months. Left it empty for 2 months to cycle. Third month I purchased some Nassarius, Nerite, Trochus and Cerith Snails. I also now have a Peppermint Shrimp and two very, very small Blue Legged Hermit Crabs. Around the fourth month I purchased two great female seahorses from Dan @ Seahorse Source. Everyone is doing great! Levels have been PH 8.1, Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0 and Nitrate around 10. I have a chiller so temp is 73.
My question is; I hate the 1 1/2" substrate of crushed coral that I have. I just don't like the looks of it and to me it doesn't look clean. I do two 3 to 4 gallon water changes on a 29 gallon tank a week. I prefer my tank to look clean. I have had a small out break of Diatoms and a little cyano on the rocks. I believe the problems was lack of water flow and I purchased a new LED light. My rocks are really beginning to get some nice coraline on them now.
Anyway, is there a safe way to take at least part of the crushed coral out safely? I don't want to have to remove everyone if I can help it. I have been doing some reading on this. I would like to do small areas at a time. Leave the crushed coral under my live rocks mainly would like to remove the parts you can see. If this can be done safely I would love to hear from anyone. Would it be best to get dried sand or live sand? I don't want the tank to cycle again. Also, what grade sand?
Please anyone out there that can offer help would be greatly appreciated. I truly love this tank and it's occupants and am concerned for their safety.
My question is; I hate the 1 1/2" substrate of crushed coral that I have. I just don't like the looks of it and to me it doesn't look clean. I do two 3 to 4 gallon water changes on a 29 gallon tank a week. I prefer my tank to look clean. I have had a small out break of Diatoms and a little cyano on the rocks. I believe the problems was lack of water flow and I purchased a new LED light. My rocks are really beginning to get some nice coraline on them now.
Anyway, is there a safe way to take at least part of the crushed coral out safely? I don't want to have to remove everyone if I can help it. I have been doing some reading on this. I would like to do small areas at a time. Leave the crushed coral under my live rocks mainly would like to remove the parts you can see. If this can be done safely I would love to hear from anyone. Would it be best to get dried sand or live sand? I don't want the tank to cycle again. Also, what grade sand?
Please anyone out there that can offer help would be greatly appreciated. I truly love this tank and it's occupants and am concerned for their safety.
