Adding crushed coral to tank??

[mikesmith34]

I want to add some more aggregate to my 90 gallon reef tank. I'm eyeballing the crushed coral at the new petco in town. I like the idea of the larger particles over the sand to help with my power heads not moving my sand around. Can I just add this over the top of my sand? Do I just wash it and add it. Will it cause a mini cycle?

 

[rdnelson]

If you have any Wrasses I would stay away from it. They can break their beaks diving into it. Find sand is best for them.

Definitely rinse well but it isn't live so no cycle.


ARC....so nerdy our President breaks bones while bowling.

 

[mikesmith34]

Funny you mention that as I may be getting one from one of the ARC members that's doing a tank break down. I may get the fish if he doesn't sell it to someone in the next couple weeks. I wanted him then but ran out of money buying his corals. Really pretty leopard wrasse.

 

[rdnelson]

There are tons of cool wrasses which is why I would never go with crushed coral. Eliminates a lot of cool fish.


ARC....so nerdy our President breaks bones while bowling.

 

[jennm]

I don't recommend crushed coral either. You can go with a fairly coarse sand (Seaflor Special Grade by CaribSea is a good one). It's not super-fine so it doesn't blow around, but smaller particles than crushed coral, offer more surface area for beneficial bacteria, less pockets for solid waste to accumulate, and it's aragonite so it gives you the buffering capacity that you are looking for.

Jenn

 

[jbdreefs]

I have used crushed coral and it still blows around.

 

[jdavid]

JBDreefs;915530 wrote: I have used crushed coral and it still blows around.

+1 so does my bahama oolite large grain sand

 

[mikesmith34]

Thanx guys and gals for all the input. Looks like I'll stick with sand.

 

[jdavid]

Theres still a bunch of options!