Crushed coral as substrate

[magicwhistle]

Petsmart In Canada has 15lb bags of crushed coral for like 19$ and they’re on sale right now.

I checked them out when I was there earlier today and it seems kind of big. Maybe like 3-5mm or so. Is that too big for sand sifters or burrowers?

I was thinking I could mix it with some Carib sea reef sand I have which is a bit finer. Would that be fine? (Maybe like 50/50 mix)

Also is it ok to use the sand from my current set up? It’s been fully cycled and going for 6 months. I’m assuming it’ll be beneficial same as the rocks but just wanna make sure.

 

[LRT]

Petsmart In Canada has 15lb bags of crushed coral for like 19$ and they’re on sale right now.

I checked them out when I was there earlier today and it seems kind of big. Maybe like 3-5mm or so. Is that too big for sand sifters or burrowers?

I was thinking I could mix it with some Carib sea reef sand I have which is a bit finer. Would that be fine? (Maybe like 50/50 mix)

Also is it ok to use the sand from my current set up? It’s been fully cycled and going for 6 months. I’m assuming it’ll be beneficial same as the rocks but just wanna make sure.

Can you link crushed coral product your thinking about using?

 

[Flippers4pups]

It's too big for sand sifters. Special grade aragonite is the right size for them and wrasses.

 

[Camaro Show Corals]

Never use crushed coral, worst looking substrate imo so early 2000s. Fuji pink sand or barebottom.

 

[DSEKULA]

Being good depends on your goals. Generally sand sifters will not process crushed coral as it is too large. If you want animals that dig and build tunnels this will usually be more stable for them. Smaller sand will get whipped around more in high flow tanks but crushed coral will collect more detritus in general but way more in low flow. Either substrate can work for different type builds. You can always mix if there is a need like you have a mix of the circumstances where one or the other would work better but if your trying to cut costs id find other places to do it. Buy the substrate best for your situation and find locals willing to frag coral (for example) to save some cash. Not matching the correct substrate to your needs can make reefing a struggle.

 

[BZOFIQ]

Detritus sponge.

 

[magicwhistle]

Can you link crushed coral product your thinking about using?

Pet Supplies, Accessories, and Pet Food - Pet Stores | PetSmart

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www.petsmart.ca

 

[magicwhistle]

So it seems general consensus is against crushed coral substrates.

What size particles would I be looking at if I wanted a substrate that won’t be blown around but can be sifted and burrowed? 2mm or smaller?

The main draw to the petco stuff is the price but it’s not that big a deal just looking to save money where possible. I had a feeling it was going to be too large.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Broken shells in it. Not good for sand sifters and burrowing fish in my opinion.

 

[Camaro Show Corals]

So it seems general consensus is against crushed coral substrates.

What size particles would I be looking at if I wanted a substrate that won’t be blown around but can be sifted and burrowed? 2mm or smaller?

The main draw to the petco stuff is the price but it’s not that big a deal just looking to save money where possible. I had a feeling it was going to be too large.

Do not buy fish or corals at petsmart/Petco

 

[DSEKULA]

I have CaribSea Dry Aragonite Special Grade Reef Sand in my tank it doesn't get blown around really bad like powder sugar sand will but allows animals to build and some sifting. Imo it's a nice size for most reefs and not horribly expensive.

 

[DSEKULA]

Do not buy fish or corals at petsmart/Petco

I understand what your getting at here (both of these stores are usually horrible in this area) but op didn't ask about fish or coral lol.. substrate really isn't any better from somewhere else if it's the same product. But, honestly I've found that those chain type stores are as good as the employees they hire. Sometimes you do find a really good knowledgeable person that goes above and beyond ensuring good healthy stock is sold etc. It's just that usually the good employees don't last. I've even made contacts while buying frozen food at such places that I will meet with to swap frags personally even with them no longer working at the store. So usually I'd agree but if op happens to be in one of those stores that hires exceptional employees you never know.. I'd ask other locals where they recommend shopping for specific stock before both considering a location or ruling it out.

 

[KingLucy1997]

So I bought crushed coral not knowing all of this and it is already cycles. I have head crushed corals are ideal for Engineer Gobbies, jaw fish, and some species of snails, at least one with a proboscis. What specific snail species or other inverts/fish would crushed coral be good for? It seems to work well with hermit crabs because they dig up the top layer in searching of for underground detritus, aerating it in top layer of substrate