Crushed Coral Substrate

kipher · 11/14/2006, 09:04 PM

Hey guys, I started my tank about 2 weeks ago and used crushed coral for the substrate. Mostly due to cost. Is there a way in the future to upgrade to a deep sand bed without breaking my system down? I've read at least a couple Tank of the Month articles that state that they change the sand bed...HOW?

Myrphie · 11/14/2006, 09:28 PM

Your best bet would be to siphon the substrate out slowly over the next few weeks/months with your normal water changes. 3/4" clear tubing will pull out the crushed coral with ease and you can collect it in a bucket. You might even want to do that now before you really get the tank going so it's not so much of a shock later. You could run the tank bare bottom until you decided you add the DSB.

Also, I'm sure I won't be the first person to tell you this, but that SeaClone skimmer has a really bad reputation and it's going to wind up being more trouble than it's worth eventually.

kipher · 11/14/2006, 09:36 PM

I think I will go to a bare bottom for now. Also, I know that you are right on the Skimmer. I plan on upgrading that next month. Looking at the AquaC Romora.

Any Advice on how to get the Sand to the bottom... I was thinking more 3/4" clear tubing and a funnel?

tanker · 11/14/2006, 10:05 PM

Personally I do not like deep Sand beds in tanks--takes up too much space. If you NEED a DSB put it in you refugy. I only have about and inch or so sand in my tanks ( 4-5 in my refugy).

Myrphie · 11/14/2006, 10:58 PM

That being said, if you are going to put sand in the tank, I'd recommend just taking a cup or bowl, and scooping the sand up and gently pouring it onto the bottom of the tank.

kipher · 11/15/2006, 03:07 PM

Welp, I have come to the conclusion that I am going to remove all of the crushed coral to replace with LS, mostlikely a 2" bed. I will also remove the Wet/dry gradually in place of a fuge w/LR (slowly taking away bio-balls as I add the LR). I will also be replacing the SeaClone with a AquaC EV-180 ASAP, next months pay check. I didn't have to buy the SeaClone...so no hard feelings there!

11/14/2006, 09:04 PM	#1
kipher Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Edwardsville, IL Posts: 429	Crushed Coral Substrate Hey guys, I started my tank about 2 weeks ago and used crushed coral for the substrate. Mostly due to cost. Is there a way in the future to upgrade to a deep sand bed without breaking my system down? I've read at least a couple Tank of the Month articles that state that they change the sand bed...HOW?

11/14/2006, 09:36 PM	#3
kipher Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Edwardsville, IL Posts: 429	I think I will go to a bare bottom for now. Also, I know that you are right on the Skimmer. I plan on upgrading that next month. Looking at the AquaC Romora. Any Advice on how to get the Sand to the bottom... I was thinking more 3/4" clear tubing and a funnel? Last edited by kipher; 11/14/2006 at 09:47 PM.

11/14/2006, 09:28 PM	#2
Myrphie Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: El Paso, Tx Posts: 177	Your best bet would be to siphon the substrate out slowly over the next few weeks/months with your normal water changes. 3/4" clear tubing will pull out the crushed coral with ease and you can collect it in a bucket. You might even want to do that now before you really get the tank going so it's not so much of a shock later. You could run the tank bare bottom until you decided you add the DSB. Also, I'm sure I won't be the first person to tell you this, but that SeaClone skimmer has a really bad reputation and it's going to wind up being more trouble than it's worth eventually.

11/14/2006, 10:05 PM	#4
tanker Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: sf bay area Posts: 3,522	Personally I do not like deep Sand beds in tanks--takes up too much space. If you NEED a DSB put it in you refugy. I only have about and inch or so sand in my tanks ( 4-5 in my refugy).

11/14/2006, 10:58 PM	#5
Myrphie Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: El Paso, Tx Posts: 177	That being said, if you are going to put sand in the tank, I'd recommend just taking a cup or bowl, and scooping the sand up and gently pouring it onto the bottom of the tank.

11/15/2006, 03:07 PM	#6
kipher Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Edwardsville, IL Posts: 429	Welp, I have come to the conclusion that I am going to remove all of the crushed coral to replace with LS, mostlikely a 2" bed. I will also remove the Wet/dry gradually in place of a fuge w/LR (slowly taking away bio-balls as I add the LR). I will also be replacing the SeaClone with a AquaC EV-180 ASAP, next months pay check. I didn't have to buy the SeaClone...so no hard feelings there!