substrate

makavel · 09/08/2006, 09:36 AM

which is better for a reef tank in your opinion and why

crushed coral

or

argonite

Travis L. Stevens · 09/08/2006, 09:50 AM

Between the two and without going into other choices, I would go for aragonite sand.

Crushed Coral
-Pros: Massive amounts of surface area to reduce ammonia and nitrite. Unique look. Easy to find and inexpensive
-Cons: Without proper maintenance and tank husbandry, crushed coral can hold in nitrates and be an endless source for nutrients for your tank. The nutrients then have the ability to harm livestock and cause algae, diatom, dinoflagellate, and cyanobacteria blooms.

Aragonite Sand
-Pros: Great amount of area for ammonia and nitrite reduction. With a deep enough substrate, can provide excellent nitrate reduction. Completely natural. When the pH drops to 7.8 or below, the aragonite dissolves rather easy to help replace some Calcium and Carbonate to help balance Calcium and Alkalinity levels that helps the pH. Found in most Fish Stores. Available alternatives such as Southdown.
-Cons: Expensive. Heavy. Improper maintenance coupled with heavy bioloads and overfeeding can cause a build up of nutrients in the sand that can be later released all at once that can cause long term trouble or even a total tank crash.

drummereef · 09/08/2006, 10:47 AM

Most use aragonite for its nitrate reducing properties. Excess detritus can build up in the crushed coral causing No3 problems.

09/08/2006, 09:36 AM	#1
makavel Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Australia (Perth) Posts: 12	substrate which is better for a reef tank in your opinion and why crushed coral or argonite

09/08/2006, 09:50 AM	#2
Travis L. Stevens Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Perry, OK Posts: 13,946	Between the two and without going into other choices, I would go for aragonite sand. Crushed Coral -Pros: Massive amounts of surface area to reduce ammonia and nitrite. Unique look. Easy to find and inexpensive -Cons: Without proper maintenance and tank husbandry, crushed coral can hold in nitrates and be an endless source for nutrients for your tank. The nutrients then have the ability to harm livestock and cause algae, diatom, dinoflagellate, and cyanobacteria blooms. Aragonite Sand -Pros: Great amount of area for ammonia and nitrite reduction. With a deep enough substrate, can provide excellent nitrate reduction. Completely natural. When the pH drops to 7.8 or below, the aragonite dissolves rather easy to help replace some Calcium and Carbonate to help balance Calcium and Alkalinity levels that helps the pH. Found in most Fish Stores. Available alternatives such as Southdown. -Cons: Expensive. Heavy. Improper maintenance coupled with heavy bioloads and overfeeding can cause a build up of nutrients in the sand that can be later released all at once that can cause long term trouble or even a total tank crash. __________________ Travis Stevens Current Tank Info: Restarting 28g Bowfront

09/08/2006, 10:47 AM	#3
drummereef Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: STL Posts: 14,754	Most use aragonite for its nitrate reducing properties. Excess detritus can build up in the crushed coral causing No3 problems.