Subsrtate

I've used crushed coral since the beginning of my current tank. Over two years. Since the initial cycle, I haven't had a spec of nitrates.

Crushed coral being a nitrate factory is, quite simply, a myth. It can contribute, if you don't do things right. But in and of itself is not. It's no more a nitrate factory than a fish is.

For example, you'll need a bit bigger of a clean up crew. And you won't be able to use many of the sand sifting fish (a few snails) because of the sharp edges.

You'll find the majority of folks that label it a nitrate factory have never had it. It's very easy to have nitrates and often it gets the blame. The only "proof" of it is anecdotal at best. If it were a given, I'd have nitrates. Seeing as how I don't, there is something else going on giving those folks nitrates. (overstocking, overfeeding, not enough biological filtration, etc.).

 

I also find CC looks better (that's just a personal pref).

I also find CC is much much much easier to keep a clean appearance. Every little thing shows up in sand. CC hides it kind of how LR hides it. Things like diatoms.

 

I feel the same way about sand,I think it looks better so apparently its just whatever you like.I also like a lot of the sand sifters so would rather have it than cc.MY two engineer gobies are my favorite fish and they would be unhappy without sand to constantly move.

 

the only thing i hate about crushed coral is that the pieces are big enough to grow coraline on. My 36 i am tearing down has practically purple cc. not bad except i dont like my rocks and substrate to be the same color.

 

Everything has pros and cons. It really is about what you like imo. I am looking forward to having a really purple tank. I also have a different tank with sand in it, and when I think about it I would not like it if it was my only tank.

 

I have sugar sized white sand in mine. It gives it a very nice appearance and I have sand sifters. Gman likes to shift the sand so I won't go CC.