Question for those who have kept a crushed coral substrate

[Rawsreef]

What are some CUC members I can add to keep the crushed coral turning, and that will be able to grab food that has slipped under the surface of the substrate?

This is about a 1" bed. The tank has pretty high flow, it's running 2 1600 GPH wavemakers on a sine flow mode. The tank is a 25g lagoon.

I am finding that even with the increased flow, pellets and food once it reaches the bottom of the tank, it just disappears into the substrate since there are such big gaps.

Besides siphoning the substrate once a week, can I use things like nass snails, conchs, sand sifting stars etc. or will this substrate be too coarse for these animals to work their magic?

Open to all suggestions, thank you!

 

[*GAREEF*]

What are some CUC members I can add to keep the crushed coral turning, and that will be able to grab food that has slipped under the surface of the substrate?

This is about a 1" bed. The tank has pretty high flow, it's running 2 1600 GPH wavemakers on a sine flow mode. The tank is a 25g lagoon.

I am finding that even with the increased flow, pellets and food once it reaches the bottom of the tank, it just disappears into the substrate since there are such big gaps.

Besides siphoning the substrate once a week, can I use things like nass snails, conchs, sand sifting stars etc. or will this substrate be too coarse for these animals to work their magic?

Open to all suggestions, thank you!

I’m currently using crushed coral in my system about an inch.
I have some small and large Nassarius snails and lots of amphipods and copepods that stay busy moving around in it.

 

[Fish Fan]

I don't claim to be an expert here, and I've gone in and out of this hobby a number of times over the years, but I did get my start in the mid to late 1980's and back then crushed coral substrate was pretty much all we had. The problem with it, as you're seeing, is that it can trap detritus. Is this a problem? Well, back in the 80's it was. Do people run this substrate now with no problems? I'm certainly sure someone does.

To me, it looks like you're early on in your tank's journey. It's not to late to consider a different substrate.

It depends a lot on what you want to keep. If this is an Acorpora tank that necessariliy needs high flow, then maybe go for it. The larger sized crushed coral pieces will stay in place under high flow.

But if you're planning on softies or anything else that might not do well in such high flow, you may see a lot of detritus accumulating in your substrate.

I'm tagging along to see what others think. This substrate is inexpensive and widely available. I think *most* general CUC members likes snails and emerald crabs are going to be fine here. Sand sifting fish may be a problem. And - in just my very humble opinion - I would think twice about sand sifting inverts like sea stars. Unless you have a very mature sandbed (clearly you do not) they rapidly depleate their food, and slowly starve to death in most home aquaria.

I hope that helps and good luck!

 

[Kingsley_Reef]

Nassarius are great scavengers for leftovers I’ve noticed mine are having trouble burying themselves in my Florida crushed coral/special grade mix. Maybe hermits are a better option but like state above pods and amphipods are extremely effective also

 

[dangles]

I’m not an expert either but I have both tiger conchs and nassarius snails in my TBS live sand (largely composed of crushed coral). They still don’t get the job done but it’s possible I just need more. I’m not sure there’s any way around manual cleaning (besides not cleaning at all!).

 

[Kingsley_Reef]

I wanted TBS Sand sooo bad but was to afraid of getting unwanted stuff so I chickened out what was your experience?

 

[Rawsreef]

I don't claim to be an expert here, and I've gone in and out of this hobby a number of times over the years, but I did get my start in the mid to late 1980's and back then crushed coral substrate was pretty much all we had. The problem with it, as you're seeing, is that it can trap detritus. Is this a problem? Well, back in the 80's it was. Do people run this substrate now with no problems? I'm certainly sure someone does.

To me, it looks like you're early on in your tank's journey. It's not to late to consider a different substrate.

It depends a lot on what you want to keep. If this is an Acorpora tank that necessariliy needs high flow, then maybe go for it. The larger sized crushed coral pieces will stay in place under high flow.

But if you're planning on softies or anything else that might not do well in such high flow, you may see a lot of detritus accumulating in your substrate.

I'm tagging along to see what others think. This substrate is inexpensive and widely available. I think *most* general CUC members likes snails and emerald crabs are going to be fine here. Sand sifting fish may be a problem. And - in just my very humble opinion - I would think twice about sand sifting inverts like sea stars. Unless you have a very mature sandbed (clearly you do not) they rapidly depleate their food, and slowly starve to death in most home aquaria.

I hope that helps and good luck!

Forgot to specify but this is going to be SPS dominant. That's the reason I went with the crushed coral. I'm not a fan of the bar bottom look, but I am considering it after seeing how this substrate can just swallow up food/detritus.

 

[dangles]

I wanted TBS Sand sooo bad but was to afraid of getting unwanted stuff so I chickened out what was your experience?

I don’t wanna hijack his thread but in short, I love it! I talk about it in my tank thread starting on pg 6 (post 106)

 

[Rawsreef]

I’m currently using crushed coral in my system about an inch.
I have some small and large Nassarius snails and lots of amphipods and copepods that stay busy moving around in it.

I seeded the tank with copepods and amphipods, I also put in 15 hermits and 2 turbo snails. I figured hermits and pods would be good for getting in between the crushed coral. The snails are more for the rock and glass

 

[Rawsreef]

I’m not an expert either but I have both tiger conchs and nassarius snails in my TBS live sand (largely composed of crushed coral). They still don’t get the job done but it’s possible I just need more. I’m not sure there’s any way around manual cleaning (besides not cleaning at all!).

This is what I'm afraid of, if it's between having a detritus trap and heavy maintenance on siphoning. I might just end up ripping out the substrate and going BB. Although I really like the look of the crushed coral which is why I'm looking for something that can help maybe even eliminate the need to siphon at all.

 

[dangles]

I seeded the tank with copepods and amphipods, I also put in 15 hermits and 2 turbo snails. I figured hermits and pods would be good for getting in between the crushed coral. The snails are more for the rock and glass

I have about 6-8 hermits in my 120 gallon. I almost certainly need more with my heavy feeding. I just put in an order from ReefCleaners for a decently large cuc refresh that includes 9 more (plus about 175 other odds and ends!)

 

[Fish Fan]

I wanted TBS Sand sooo bad but was to afraid of getting unwanted stuff so I chickened out what was your experience?

Dude, I am the BIGGEST fan of TBS rock and sand! What's your worry? There's nothing that can't be fixed or removed. I started two small tanks, a 10 and a 15 gallon about 18 months ago using TBS rock and sand, and I have on order with them now enough to fill my future 150 gallon. I think the benefits and beneficial critters far, far outweigh any concerns about negatives. If I can help here, please let me know

 

[dangles]

This is what I'm afraid of, if it's between having a detritus trap and heavy maintenance on siphoning. I might just end up ripping out the substrate and going BB. Although I really like the look of the crushed coral which is why I'm looking for something that can help maybe even eliminate the need to siphon at all.

I admit I don’t siphon. I just haven’t made the time for it. I’ve read mixed opinions (all from successful/experienced reefers). I’m choosing to employ major confirmation bias and throw my hat in with the “I never clean my sand bed” side of the debate. *crosses fingers*

 

[Fish Fan]

Forgot to specify but this is going to be SPS dominant. That's the reason I went with the crushed coral. I'm not a fan of the bar bottom look, but I am considering it after seeing how this substrate can just swallow up food/detritus.

I might just go bare bottom. I wanted bare bottom on my new coral/invert QT tank build, but it's an AIO, and I can see the leveling mat underneath and it looks gray and blotchy and not what I want. So I have been looking at substrates again. But I might just go with a bare bottom if you want high flow SPS.

 

[dangles]

Dude, I am the BIGGEST fan of TBS rock and sand! What's your worry? There's nothing that can't be fixed or removed. I started two small tanks, a 10 and a 15 gallon about 18 months ago using TBS rock and sand, and I have on order with them now enough to fill my future 150 gallon. I think the benefits and beneficial critters far, far outweigh any concerns about negatives. If I can help here, please let me know

I’ve only started 2 tanks (plus a 5 gal pico I don’t count lol), but I wouldn’t start another tank without at least the sand. I haven’t tried the rock. I think the rock is where you’re “more likely” to get difficult to deal with hitchhikers but even then for most people it’s not a deal breaker. Not personal experience there obviously just repeating what I read on the internet

 

[Kingsley_Reef]

Dude, I am the BIGGEST fan of TBS rock and sand! What's your worry? There's nothing that can't be fixed or removed. I started two small tanks, a 10 and a 15 gallon about 18 months ago using TBS rock and sand, and I have on order with them now enough to fill my future 150 gallon. I think the benefits and beneficial critters far, far outweigh any concerns about negatives. If I can help here, please let me know

Maybe I should order a treasure chest seed what I already got….. thanks guys

 

[Fish Fan]

I’ve only started 2 tanks (plus a 5 gal pico I don’t count lol), but I wouldn’t start another tank without at least the sand. I haven’t tried the rock. I think the rock is where you’re “more likely” to get difficult to deal with hitchhikers but even then for most people it’s not a deal breaker. Not personal experience there obviously just repeating what I read on the internet

You're right as far as Gorilla crabs and Mantids and such (and if you find any, please send them to me lol!)

But it's also correct to be concerned with all manor of fish parasites; you're getting everything in the ocean.

To mitigate fish parasites, simply set the tank up using the TBS rock and sand and let it run fallow (meaning without fish) for about 45-60 days before adding any fish. This will allow any protozoan fish parasites (like Ich) to die off without a fish host.

Other animals like Gorilla crabs and Mantids (aka Mantis Shrimp) can be trapped and removed. It's not that serious.

And, I'm a reefer that takes biosecurity really seriously, I QT EVERYTHING lol!

As far as bad algae, in my experience, with a few ups and downs, the benefit of the the TBS live sand and rock is that everything is in balance. Did I get a bit of hair algae and like 3 bubbles of bubble algae, sure. But did I get untold Coraline algae as well as sponges and a multitude of microbes that populate the rock and sand and out compete the really bad actors, yes, I believe.

 

[Fish Fan]

Maybe I should order a treasure chest seed what I already got….. thanks guys

Recommended for sure! You'll be blown away! Tell them I sent you lol!

The shipping is the killer. It's either overnight freight to your local airport, or small quantities shipped to your door via UPS, which is expensive. The airport pick up thing is so easy, everyone seems intimidated, but if your local airport is under and hours drive, I'd do that. If not, UPS will bring it right to your door. Think of this rock and sand much more like you're buying a coral and/or fish. It has that much life and the benefits to your tank are fantastic, in my opinion. Please, do some research, but rock and sand from TBS can't be beat, in my humble onionin.

Good luck and thanks again for your help in the other thread!

 

[dangles]

You're right as far as Gorilla crabs and Mantids and such (and if you find any, please send them to me lol!)

But it's also correct to be concerned with all manor of fish parasites; you're getting everything in the ocean.

To mitigate fish parasites, simply set the tank up using the TBS rock and sand and let it run fallow (meaning without fish) for about 45-60 days before adding any fish. This will allow any protozoan fish parasites (like Ich) to die off without a fish host.

Other animals like Gorilla crabs and Mantids (aka Mantis Shrimp) can be trapped and removed. It's not that serious.

And, I'm a reefer that takes biosecurity really serious, I QT EVERYTHING lol!

As far as bad algae, in my experience, with a few ups and downs, the benefit of the the TBS live sand and rock is that everything is in balance. Did I get a bit of hair algae and like 3 bubbles of bubble algae, sure. But did I get untold Caroline algae as well as sponges and a multitude of microbes that populate the rock and sand and out compete the really bad actors, yes, I believe.

I got lucky and somehow avoided any fish parasites. I did an AquaBiomics TankDNA test a few months after the sand and got a clean bill of health!

(I added my fish prior to the sand as it was a tank move)

 

[BryanM]

I have the same substrate.

I’m buying a 125 gallon cleaner package from reef cleaners