Substrate ?'s

saltwater_wannabe · 05-23-2006, 07:22 AM

Since we're moving into our first house in the next few weeks, I have an opportunity to make a few changes to the tank while it's being moved. One of which is to purchase a new 65g tank to replace the 46g bowfront we already have. I currently have ~60lbs of Crushed Coral that will be transferred to the new tank, but what do I 'top up' the new tank with? Sand or more Crushed Coral? The current bed is ~3" deep and almost 4 years old. I don't want to replace the whole thing ($$$), but I do want to make use of the current inhabitants down there.

What do you think?

theplatypus · 05-23-2006, 07:32 AM

You probably want to replace the substrate entirely. Moving a sandbed can lead to some nasty problems.

saltwater_wannabe · 05-23-2006, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theplatypus

You probably want to replace the substrate entirely. Moving a sandbed can lead to some nasty problems.

This particular system has been moved twice in the last 3 years (drained all water except what was needed to keep CC wet) and I haven't had too much trouble. I think I may just start with a new sandbed and take some of my CC and put it into a mesh bag to seed the new stuff.

LiquidLunch · 05-23-2006, 07:41 AM

Was your crushed coral hard to keep clean? I haven't used CC in 8 years. I used aragonite b/c it's the closest thing to the sand look and it has a much higher buffering capacity that CC has.

saltwater_wannabe · 05-23-2006, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiquidLunch

Was your crushed coral hard to keep clean? I haven't used CC in 8 years. I used aragonite b/c it's the closest thing to the sand look and it has a much higher buffering capacity that CC has.

Well, yeah. When I did a water change, I had to siphon the top 2-3" every time and I would pull out a lot of detritus. It may actually be the reason that I'm having some difficulty keeping my nitrate levels down right now.

How much was your aragonite?

LiquidLunch · 05-23-2006, 08:07 AM

I used the "live" stuff and it was like $22/bag. I used 2 bags in my 90 which has a 48" x 18" footprint. It also comes in different colors.
http://www.carib-sea.com/pages/produ...aragalive.html

Geoff · 05-23-2006, 08:59 AM

i have some Southdown if you want it. you have to come get it though.

G~