Changing Substrate

Im upgrading my 30g glass to a 36 acrylic bf. Im transferring everything from my existing tank, except the substrate (Natures Ocean reef sand). I prefer not to have sand, but dont want the jagged edges of crushed coral. I plan to use Nature's Ocean Bio-Activ Live Aragonite Substrate. This is at the suggestion of my lfs. Any thoughts or other experienced suggestions? Side note: Is 1lb of lr per gallon the avg?

 

marcorocks

 

Thanks Telgar. I have a mix of key west and fiji rock. My issue with sand is that when I clean the tank during water changes, I very cautiously stir up the surface then syphon with a gravity water vac. The water gets cloudy for a long time. My lfs guy mentioned that the live aragonite will not cloud the water during cleaning, and will eliminate the need for arragonite additives. ....what do you think?

 

i disagree. to be honestly i have the sand your mentioning, and my water gets cloudy even when my sting ray flips it around. IMO unless your using CC your going to have a sandstorm when you disturb it.

 

precisely my issue Patrick. Pardon my lack of knowledge ....IMO and CC ...means...?

 

IMO= in my opinion

CC= crushed coral

- on the site there is an "acronyms" page that im sure will help you out

 

I just did an experiment with some of that sand - Nature's Ocean Bio-Activ Live Aragonite Reef Sand - in my shallow Neo Nano with a lot of current.

Let's just say the experiment failed.

I switched to 3mm coral sand.

That stuff is probably suited better for deeper tanks, but it is really fine. I think I used something similar in my 20 long and it caked after a while too.

 

With a proper cleanup crew you should not have to siphon or stir the sand during waterchanges. The marco sand is pure Bahama Aragonite sand and settles down quickly if I accidently stir it up, although it did take 2 days to clear when I first added it.
dont know about additives, never had any need to use them.

 

Thanks! I had no idea there was an acronyms page! Youre suggesting CC above the sand and arragonite? Im told I dont need to worry about cycling with arragonite. Is this the case with CC as well? (I know Ill get a short mild spike) ...What I dont want is a full cycling.

I do need to restock my clean up crew ....my blood shrimp enjoys a good feast of hermits. Good to know Matt ...the last thing I want is something too fine and potentially cakey.

 

stay away from the crushed coral, it just traps a bunch of detritus and then becomes a nitrate factory if your cuc is not up to the task.