sand or crushed coral

[ded08221]

currently i have set up my 55 gal and it is running fine as a fish only. i would like to begin building a reef, but i was just wondering if the crushed coral is going to be a problem, or do i have to start over with sand. thanks.

 

[Len]

Sand. Fine aragonite sand for sure, preferably seeded with some live fiji sand. I would remove the crushed coral if are currently using it; their particulate size is too large for biological diversity and for denitrification.

Once you go reef, you'll be hooked

 

[ded08221]

is there any way i may be able to mix sand in with the crushed coral. i would just hate to have to throw away 60lbs. of crushed coral if there is an alternative way. sorry i don't want to seem as though i'm being hard headed. i just really enjoy the look of crushed coral over sand also. so from what you said i'm wondering if it is even possible to run a reef with crushed coral? is that true?

 

[Len]

I know what you're saying. The problem with crushed coral, if mixed with fine aragonite sand, is they limit sessile mobility. But IMO, it's okay if you really want to use the stuff. It's simply better not to

 

[ChrisRD]

Worst case scenario, you can always hang-on to the crushed coral. You can use it for media in your future calcium reactor...

...(after all, it's only a matter of time before you become totally obsessed and start buying halide lighting, controllers, reactors, etc., etc... :lol: )...

 

[ChrisRD]

On a more serious note...if you're really set on using it for a substrate, I would plan on vacuuming it monthly...

 

[kim]

Even if you mix it initially, the way it works is that the grains will separate, and the crushed coral will form a layer above the fine sand. Nullifying the effect of the fine sand. Not good. Crushed gravel has to go.

kim

 

[Anonymous]

personally i like sand..it looks better and is really ocean looking..IMO of course...crushed coral on the other hand, makes a good ph buffer...its a matter of personal opinion on this topic but its what you want to go with...neither is bad for your aquarium...but it would be wise to do one or the other...

 

[ChrisRD]

I agree with the no-mixing part. I think that would sorta get you half way to nowhere.

I've seen a lot of pics of German reef tanks using a thin layer of crushed coral on the bottom, but usually this substrate gets vacuumed weekly.

I've used it in FO systems (years ago) and if vacuumed regularly - I never had much of a problem, but it's too much maintenance for me. Personally, I'd never use it in a reef.