Going to do it right, finally

[dfurbee]

I posted questions earlier about a fish only tank with artificial reef and coral. I was told to get rid of the artificial stuff, and use live rock. Well, I found 50# of cured live rock, I have no fish yet, so it will not be too difficult :thinking: But, I have crushed coral insted of sand, which I am not going to change yet. What kind of invert tank cleaners can I get? Crabs will be OK, but can I get snails with the crushed coral, or will it be too sharp for them? I have the water in the tank, which is cloudy again :scared: You people are right about the live rock

Any help with the invert question would be appreciated, thanks :happyfish

 

[mopar9012]

i think snails will be alright. I have snails and hermits....well I actually think i only have one snail. My hermits ate them all.

 

[dfurbee]

Do hermit crabs eat snails??

 

[some1fishy]

Only if it wants its shell bad enough. snails can 'usually' protect themselves.
But seriously, you would be doing yourself a favor to change out the CC to sand. There are a few great posts on here on how to do it. I forget who exactly, but search it. Even if you do it in thirds at a time, you would be saving yourself serious aggravation in the long run.
It had been debated over and over again with the consensus being that CC's build and trap Nitrate and raise it to unconfortable and inconveinent levels. This is just my opinion, but I am sure others will agree. Good luck and happy :happyfish ing!

 

[sfoister]

I may be wrong, but you can lay a thin layer of sand over top of your crushed coral. I know someone on here has done that, I remember reading something about it.
Just saying, if it becomes an issue for you, you can always do that instead of removing the cc.

 

[dfurbee]

It is just that I put a lot of $$$ into the crushed coral and would hate to throw it out! Besides, my dh would kill me!

 

[dfurbee]

Went to the lfs today and talked to the person that keeps the tanks. I have pulled out my undergravel filter, placed my powerheads opposite each other, one high and one low. I have a HOB filter. The water actually looks better now!! My LR is due in tomorrow. We are planning a trip to Europe in the very near future, so when we get back, if all checks out with the tank, I will finally add the fish!! This has gotten to be an expensive an long endeavor, but worth it!!