Substrate for reef

[ncox38]

Which would be better for a reef tank crushed coral or Seaflor "Special grade reef sand". The crushed coral i can get 120# off a guy that only had a tank running for a few months for $40. The special grade reef sand would be bought from DFS (the dont charge extra shipping on heavy items). I know some fish burrow in substrate. Is crushed coral too coarse of a grain? I will definitely rinse the stuff but could disease, nitrates, and phosphate be an issue?

 

[sirreal63]

Use the "Special grade reef sand" it is a nice size, doesn't blow around like my southdown does. I used it on the 58 when it was running and I liked it.

 

[JxMetal]

I liked my aragonite i had in the 30 gallon, but int he new tank I have oolite and man does this stuff move around. even though it looks good it's a pain.

 

[sirreal63]

One important thing to remember...no more than 1 to 1-1/2" of sand in the display, no need in accumulating detrius that can come back to haunt you later. I had to learn the hard way.

 

[chadfarmer]

crushed coral is fine for a while but traps a lot of detritus

 

[ncox38]

ok, i wasnt too keen on the used stuff anyway.