Crushed coral v live sand

[silverado61]

I starting a new 36g salt fish only tank. I'm currently using crushed coral. Can I keep it or should I switch to live sand? Tanks been up and cycling for almost a month now and I've introduced 3 Domino Damsels over a week ago. They're doing fine and all my tests are good.

 

[Duffam3434]

Personally I only use Live Sand. Comes with Life already in it. Its a Great start to a new tank. Im not sure of any downfalls of Crushed Coral for a bed in an aquarium. I would think crushed coral could trap fish food under it and raise nitrates?

 

[bigredneck]

I have crushed coral and it hasn't caused me any issues

 

[Reefing Madness]

Ive been using Crushed Coral for a very loong time. I'd go with Live Sand if I were doing a Deep Sand Bed, but thats it.

 

[AlexG]

If it is a shallow bed of crushed coral you will be okay as long as you vaccume it during water changes since it will trap a lot of waste but that can be true of any substrate. It is possible to mix the sand with it or replace with sand if you desire since your tank is new. I hope you are planing an aggressive fish only tank with the 3 dommino damsals AKA ( Demon damsels) or if you want more peaceful fish I would remove them after the cycle.