my tank

[debbie]

Sorry for bringing up this old post. I have two questions and need to show you my tank pic so you know what I am talking about.
In the picture, the rock has alot of the green/black look to it. Shortly after I get new live rock with all that beautiful purple coraline algae on it it disappears and this green look comes.
What is going on here?
Next is the crushed coral. I would love to change to sand. If I were to scoop out all the crushed coral I could get at except for the stuff under the live rock and put in sand would that be okay? I would not clean the tank as that stuff would help with the replacement of the new sand.
I just hate that greenish look on the crushed coral. Would I have that on my sand too?
Sorry for all the question.....

 

[manjisann]

I would go with sand, as crushed coral has a bad rep for harboring old food and causing ammonia spikes (or nitrate or nitrite.) With the sand you will get a little of the green look as that is caused by algae growth, but if you don't overfeed and you have enough snails and hermit crabs it should be pretty minimal. If it bugs you enough just stir up the first half inch or so and it tends to go away. Good water flow also seems to help a little.
If you don't mind me asking, why did you go with a tomato clown, won't it outgrow your tank. I'm sorry to ask, but I'm thinking of getting a clown for my 20 gal. and am just looking for opinions and info.

 

[debbie]

Hi, I went with the tomato clown as all the false percs here seemed to by dying alot. The tomato clown is doing just fine and the green chromis his buddy they are both so commical together. It has grown a bit, sure alot fater and seems very happy. If I were to do it again I would like to try the false percs. I do love my tomato though and will keep it forever how long it lives.
Everything i have read says the size of 2-3". So I don't know how they are suppose to get. I have never seen one bigger than this, but I am sure they are out there.
As for the sand I would love to change to the sand. So I think I will. But with the rock that is in there I don't more like cannot move it as I now have some more mushrooms growing in every crevice and don't want to disturb them. By just scooping out as much of the CC I can will that be okay?