tell me

[jackhammel]

why is it better to use live sand than crushed coral?

 

[travis89]

Because over time crushed coral becomes loaded with nitrates and starts leeching them into the water giving you high nitrate problems.

 

[ophiura]

Yeah, associated with nitrate problems.
You can use crushed coral, but IMO it MUST be siphoned. Crushed coral has a larger particle size, so fish waste, excess food, etc alll sinks down between the space and can't be reached. So that accumulated waste breaks down into nitrate.
The additional benefit of sand, if it is a deep sand bed, is that if forms an anaerobic layer. This actually helps reduce nitrate levels (because of the bacteria that grow there and use nitrate).
Personally, I think sand in general looks better as well.

 

[jackhammel]

wat if u use a ugf

 

[coachklm]

cc IS ALSO REALLY Hrd on sandsifting organisms... with the sharp edges and all..

 

[ophiura]

Originally Posted by jackhammel
wat if u use a ugf

Can, in theory, be even worse. The plates then trap the goo underneath them making it even harder to remove.
I've tried this....

 

[jackhammel]

Originally Posted by coachKLM
cc IS ALSO REALLY Hrd on sandsifting organisms... with the sharp edges and all..
is a camel shrimp a sandsifting organism?

 

[coachklm]

no , but they are the more aggrsive shrimp species. not for reefs.