Changing from sand to crushed coral

[clancaster23]

I need to move my tank from one stand to another and I'll need to move a lot of the rock from it to move easily. I'm pretty annoyed by all the sand moving around everywhere if I don't get the powerheads just right and would like more bottom flow but can't because of sand blowing all over if I don't get one pointed just right. I'm thinking crushed coral would be a lot more forgiving and was wondering if anyone had done this change before and if so, how it was done and if you have any regrets?

 

[reefnoob]

Crushed coral will catch a lot of detritus and become a nitrate factory. After I switched my crushed coral to sand, my water quality improved by a lot. But I think you can use crushed coral if you vacuum it every week.

 

[ob_on3]

Sounds like a pain to me

 

[Ted]

Crushed coral is what everyone used in the 90's. We also use to have full tank crashes every 2 to 3 years. The stuff is just impossible to keep clean.

 

[salt_for_brains]

+1 sand is the much better way to go versus crushed corals. I would go bare bottom on the tank rather than using crushed coral if you absolutely don't want the sand.

 

[charlieB]

it sounds like you used very fine sand, you could try using a coarser grain sand like CaribSea Dry Aragonite Special Grade Reef Sand

I use that sand in both my tanks and it doesn't blow around even with strong flow on the bottom, and it's still fine enough for sand sifters to enjoy

 

[little_fish]

Also if you wash the sand really well before putting it in your tank you will get rid of those fine, dusty particles that like to get stirred up.

 

[2XAl]

Ive been in the process of getting rid of crushed coral. Quite frankly it looks terrible after it seasons a bit. When it was bright white it was nice, but I think it takes away from the look of the tank. I scoop about a 6x6" square out every week or so to not cause a full NH3 spike.