salt 4 2 years

[nait002]

I have had my setup for 2 years and I started with a crushed coral substrate. Is sand better and why? Also should I switch to a sand base? Thanks for any info you can give.

 

[bertoni]

When I used crushed coral, the particles were very large and they acted as a trap for detritus. The result seemed to be more nitrate in the water column. I switched to sand and like it better for esthetic reasons, too.

 

[Blown 346]

I agree, that CC will only hinder problems down the road. Then you will be wondering why you are having algae problems. Sand is the way to go, you can have snails and suchthat can help clean it for you and constantly turn it over. So you will avoid the Nitrate trap.

 

[NCreefwannabe]

My older cousin has had his 6 inch dsb of CC for 6 years with no issues. If you keep up your maintenance theres no point in changing now.

 

[nait002]

Thanks for the answer. Looks like when I get back from jamacia I'll have another new project. What kind sand do I use and can I leave my crushed coral under my live rock or take out everything?

 

[Blown 346]

You can leave the crushed coral that is under your rock if you dont want to dis assemble the tank. I myself like to use the oolotic fine grade reef base sand.

 

[capefear]

i like sand

 

[NCreefwannabe]

Its all in looks if you keep your tank clean, they both do the same thing....

 

[bertoni]

I would take it all out. Any crushed coral might have a lot of detritus trapped, and burying it would leave it rotting anaerobically. Plus the crushed coral works its way to the top over time anyway, IME.

 

[nait002]

If I were to leave ant cc I would leave it just behind the rocks. I don't know if I'm up to taking apart the whole tank just yet. I have been taking care of my tank pretty well but still seem to get some green algae growing on the crushed coral. All my tank perameters are great so I don't understand the algae. And thats the reason I want to change. Plus I think a blenny and some small sand sifting stars will help the algae.

 

[Amphiprion]

Like bertoni said, the crushed coral will follow natural sifting properties and end up on top eventually. Why save it if you want to get rid of it?

 

[nait002]

Thanks for the persuasion. It's all coming out in 2 weeks. should be one hell of a day. Not looking forward to it, but like everything else with this tank. The reward will outlive the pain of 1 day of work. Thanks.

 

[Blown 346]

Just for your information, You sayall the test parameters are great and you dont understand why you are still getting algae.
The reason behing that is the algae is consuming the phosphate/organics so the test kit wont read any in the tank.