Substrate Help

[Chef Choy]

Hey Guys,

Need some advice, I have a 240 with sump. Aragonite sand, and have been up and running for about 2.5 years. Decent fish bio load, and live rock. Used to have some coral, but a recent fish addition has had some expensive dinner and wiped the tank clean of coral. Well, It has been about 2 years since my last water change......and just starting to register some small amounts of Nitrate. Thought why not do a decent water change........doing a deep clean before hand.....all the corners of the glass and such and noticed that my substrate is like rock. In some spots, but not others. Hard clumps that in some places is not able to be broke up. What causes this, how can I avoid it.

Thanks!

 

[PCguy21]

Its called hardpack.. happens when sand isnt sifted enough.

 

[shellsea]

I think there also may be a chemical imbalance involved too. Not sure though, I defer to those with more knowledge.


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[Chef Choy]

Anyone else how how to keep this from happening?