Substrate question?

puck3 · 09/01/2011, 11:49 PM

Re-setting up a 65 gallon reef tank. Previously had a bare bottom tank with about 110 lbs. live rock in it, didnt have any substrate so i wouldnt get any kind of nitrate or algae build up. However I like the look and would like to put something down in my new set up. Looking into crushed coral. Anyone have an input or opinions on the best look/functionality of substrate? I would eventually like to keep a couple anemones in my tank also if this makes a difference as far as using crushed coral. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

Ron Reefman · 09/02/2011, 07:02 AM

Crushed coral will work and the anemones won't care much because they won't sit in the sand or crushed coral, they like to attach to rocks. However, crushed coral won't make any difference in whether you have algae issues as compared to sand. Nitrate doesn't build up in the sand or crushed coral, nitrate producing bacteria will and you may get more nitrate in your water, but only if the bacteria are being fed by the bacteria that feed on amonia. How do you plan to remove nitrate? Water changes work, I have a nitrate reactor (they are a cheap and easy DIY project) and I have a DSB in my refugium. My nitrates are always zero. I only do water changes to keep up trace elements.

The problem I have with most crushed coral substrates is they are too course for animals that normally stir up a snady bottom. I used sand and even put 95% of my LR up on egg crate that is held above the sand by short PVC legs. That way my sand sifting critters have almost the entire bottom of the tank to play in. My wrasse also sleeps in the sand.

puck3 · 09/02/2011, 11:43 AM

As far as a DSB.... I dont like the look of it... Really
Just wanted to put enough substrate down to cover the bottom of tank and get the look. I remove nitrates by doing regular water changes, small
Changes I do about 10 gallons every 2 weeks. Any problem with not having a deep substrate base?

09/01/2011, 11:49 PM	#1
puck3 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Long Island Posts: 137	Substrate question? Re-setting up a 65 gallon reef tank. Previously had a bare bottom tank with about 110 lbs. live rock in it, didnt have any substrate so i wouldnt get any kind of nitrate or algae build up. However I like the look and would like to put something down in my new set up. Looking into crushed coral. Anyone have an input or opinions on the best look/functionality of substrate? I would eventually like to keep a couple anemones in my tank also if this makes a difference as far as using crushed coral. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

09/02/2011, 07:02 AM	#2
Ron Reefman Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cape Coral, FL Posts: 10,431	Crushed coral will work and the anemones won't care much because they won't sit in the sand or crushed coral, they like to attach to rocks. However, crushed coral won't make any difference in whether you have algae issues as compared to sand. Nitrate doesn't build up in the sand or crushed coral, nitrate producing bacteria will and you may get more nitrate in your water, but only if the bacteria are being fed by the bacteria that feed on amonia. How do you plan to remove nitrate? Water changes work, I have a nitrate reactor (they are a cheap and easy DIY project) and I have a DSB in my refugium. My nitrates are always zero. I only do water changes to keep up trace elements. The problem I have with most crushed coral substrates is they are too course for animals that normally stir up a snady bottom. I used sand and even put 95% of my LR up on egg crate that is held above the sand by short PVC legs. That way my sand sifting critters have almost the entire bottom of the tank to play in. My wrasse also sleeps in the sand. __________________ The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it. (Neil deGrasse Tyson) Visit my build thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2593017

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09/02/2011, 11:43 AM	#3
puck3 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Long Island Posts: 137	As far as a DSB.... I dont like the look of it... Really Just wanted to put enough substrate down to cover the bottom of tank and get the look. I remove nitrates by doing regular water changes, small Changes I do about 10 gallons every 2 weeks. Any problem with not having a deep substrate base?