substrate

GKG · 05-25-2005, 07:48 AM

Can I get some opinions on substrates. I have a new tank about 3 months old. It is doing well right now. The LFS told me to use sand and also Aragonite Crushed Coral. Someone else told me that they did not like CC and it can cause Nitrate problems. The LFS told me that it was really good stuff.
DO critters like crabs mind the "roughness". How about anenomes ?
Anyone help out there ?

skeety · 05-25-2005, 08:04 AM

I currently use CC, and I've read nothing but bad things about it on here. BUT, I've notice no problem...granted, my tanks only 4 months old...but everything's doing well.

I think each form of subtrate has it's pro's and con's. and IMO, as long as you're aware of them, and do what you can to compensate for the con's, you'll be fine.

I don't vacume my CC, but instead, I use a turkey baster to blast the top layer all around the tank. I wait an hour for the overflow/skimmer/sump to get most of the stuff that I blew around...then I use a shop vac to drain my sump entirely, and add back my new water in the sump. These seems to do a REALLY good job of exporting any excess nutrients, and my Nitrates are almost ALWAYS zero. And that's WITH crushed coral, and what most would consider a heavy bio-load for my sized tank.

It may be a little more work (although *I* think it's easier)...but I like the freedom I have with CC. I don't have to worry about sand-storms. I dont' have to worry about a substrate crash in a few years. It seems easier to aquascape (to me). But again...this is all MY opinions/experience.

like I said...each substrate has their good points and bad points. Pick the one YOU prefer...and just stay on top of it, and you should be good.

GKG · 05-25-2005, 08:06 AM

Thanks for your input - I am going to keep on trucking with what I have

skeety · 05-25-2005, 08:07 AM

the other plus of CC is that it helps out a LOT with your levels. It's a NATURAL buffer for your pH and keeps your calcium levels more managable as well.

skeety · 05-25-2005, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GKG

Thanks for your input - I am going to keep on trucking with what I have

Just keep in mind, the more you keep that CC substrate clean...the less of a problem it is. Not sure about having it mixed with sand...guess that depends on how deep the sand-bed is. If it's not deep, then I'd say you could still vacumn it (with some sort of sand guard).

But if it's deep...different rules apply.