considering replacing CC with sand

gemini9 · Apr 12, 2014

In my new 30g tank, I have cc as my substrate and the more I read on here, the more I feel I should switch it out with sand. I have read that CC can be a nitrate factory and that it can be more difficult to clean. I'm still trying to get through my cycle and I don't have a CuC or any fish yet, so switching my CC for sand wouldn't be too difficult. I'm wondering, are there ANY benefits to having CC over sand? There are even some fish I'm noticing, that are not compatible with CC, such as many gobies.

stunreefer · Apr 12, 2014

CC is hated on pretty hard in the hobby with not much merit behind anyone's claims. When using CC in a SSB (less than ~3") you'll want to vacuum the sandbed during every water change (just like with smaller sand granules). I prefer CC over most sand as it's heavier and doesn't get blown around as much.

Any substrate, sponge media, filter, etc. can become a "nitrate factory" if not properly maintained

scott3569 · Apr 12, 2014

ok I just did a search for CC, there is some comments out there that are suggesting that CC can be a nitrate factory, I would say much like these dang bio balls that people use and such..However it also says that you have to clean your substrate more with CC if you don't clean your substrate then yes it can hold nitrates..so that very well maybe were your issue lies..if you want CUC such as gobies and other sand sifters I would change it out..I don't think you would have to take it all out but at least most of it..and just replace it with a medium course sand..I have read you don't want to go real fine also..so that tells me that one extreme or the other depending on you maintenance is not good.

scott3569 · Apr 12, 2014

ok yeah stunreefer and I are pretty much on the same page for the most part

gemini9 · Apr 12, 2014

I don't understand how you can vacuum sand without sucking it all up.... Maybe one side of my tank with cc and the other side with sand??? :neutral:

fishroomlady · Apr 12, 2014

I have a mixture of CC and coarse aragonite. When you use a gravel cleaner, it does suck up some sand but not much when you vacuum. I only clean sections of mine with each water change. My sand is pretty shallow as well about 1 - 1 1/2 inches to minimize build up. I like what I have so I'd suggest you mix the two together throughout. It's ultimately up to you and what look you like.

KillerKlownFish · Apr 12, 2014

Wow this is a good thread. I have CC. My first tank so I don't know what's better. Can you actually switch them out if you want or will it mess the tank up or start a cycle?
My snails love the cc. It keeps my pistol shrimp busy. My goby is a bit ******. I can also tell when my tank is getting dirty cause the change in color in the cc. I like hearing everyone's experiences and preferences. Thanks guys!

gemini9 · Apr 12, 2014

My guess is it would be difficult to replace cc with sand later down the road. Sand would probably cloud the water pretty bad and I'd say there is a good chance of starting a mini cycle. That's why I'm trying to decide whether or not to leave it or swap it while I still can. I duno I might give it a try and if I don't like it... well... lesson learned.

fishroomlady · Apr 14, 2014

visually, I prefer the look of CC - mixing the two really gives you the best of both imo. This is totally unscientific but I've noticed that fine grain sand beds seem to be more prone to cyano. It's just anecdotal observation. You may not want to get a sand sifting (as in edible siphoning) goby but there are many cool gobies out there that aren't. Switching out a sand bed is a pain no matter what you're switching in and out.

scott3569 · Apr 14, 2014

as far as your substrate goes, if you get something that is in the middle of what you have now, that is what most people use..the real fine sand will get stirred up and the real course can hold nitrates..thats just what I have read, I personally am going with a medium course sand..that way I can have some sand sifters with my clean up crew

Trex · Apr 14, 2014

I had CC for about 10 years, removed it about 7 years ago. It was a bit of a pain to remove (( though, I was replacing the rock at the same time, which added to things )), but with the right planning, it isn't the end of the world to do.

If you gravel vac a shallow vac a CC bed, it shouldn't be any more of a "nitrate factory" than any other shallow sand bed.

Do you know what you plan on keeping in this tank? Certain fish/inverts are going to have different reactions to CC versus sand.
Can have a bit higher flow with CC over sand.

scott3569 · Apr 14, 2014

KillerKlownFish said:
Wow this is a good thread. I have CC. My first tank so I don't know what's better. Can you actually switch them out if you want or will it mess the tank up or start a cycle?
My snails love the cc. It keeps my pistol shrimp busy. My goby is a bit ******. I can also tell when my tank is getting dirty cause the change in color in the cc. I like hearing everyone's experiences and preferences. Thanks guys!

each part of your clean up crew does something different, some take on algae, when others tank on Cyno, and then there are others that can take on some pests that you don't want in your tank that is what a CUC is all about, I think ideally in the correct size tank, and the right clean up crew you almost don't need a filter other than you skimmer..thats sort of what I have taken out of everything I read..the problem is, most of use don't have that big of a tank, so we have to tackle things other ways.