surf_buddy
Well-known member
Hello everyone, I'm a new to RF and I'm hoping I can find some help on my sand bed topic. I've been reef keeping for about 18 months now... and until now I've solely relied on information from books, magazines, and the aquarists at our local saltwater stores. I should start off with what I have running in my system. I have a 55g show tank, a 20g wet/dry, and a 15g refrigum. I use a mag 12 for the return and I have 2 Korillia 3 for circulation, and a spray bar that runs the length of my tank, a Gen 1x in sump protein skimmer, and water top off. I have two 250 watt metal halides, and four 65 watt actinic bulbs. For coral I pretty much have soft corals, mushrooms, zoas, a maxima, and couple SPS and LPS. I also have a spotted mandarin, a blue tang, a green chromis, a blue damsel, and a maroon clown with a green tentacle anomie.
Ok... I'm writing because I was told that the crushed coral substrate was likely causing my Alk and Ca problem since (as I was told) that allows too much detritus to build up and not leave the system. Anyways I got rid of 80% of my sand bed and I really want it back because it just looks so much better.
Can anyone comment on sand beds and what's the best substrate to use by brand, or grain size. I still have about 10 lbs of sand left in the tank as well. Also can anyone comment on this advice I was given and if they have experienced the same thing? Thanks!
Ok... I'm writing because I was told that the crushed coral substrate was likely causing my Alk and Ca problem since (as I was told) that allows too much detritus to build up and not leave the system. Anyways I got rid of 80% of my sand bed and I really want it back because it just looks so much better.
Can anyone comment on sand beds and what's the best substrate to use by brand, or grain size. I still have about 10 lbs of sand left in the tank as well. Also can anyone comment on this advice I was given and if they have experienced the same thing? Thanks!