Andy Sager
Aquarium Advice Addict
I change the coral monthly in my HOB's because they start to look like this. And even with multiple filter cleanings they continue to look like this. Doesn't help when trying to combat trAtes with today's overstocked Cichlid tanks. I already change water every 3 days and a sand vac every day in between/on wc's. some say I'm obsessed, I blame it on my OCD
I understand.... but you are using crushed coral for it's chemical makeup and not appearance. You could just take the bag and wash it under some water to get rid of the crud. The crud is not really effecting the usefulness unless it is stopping the water from going through the bag. It's like going back to science class in school. You put an acid with a base and the acid becomes more alkaline. (I hope I said that right. It's been a LOOOOOOOOONg time since I was in school ) Same principle tho.
As for combating the nitrates, crushed coral has no effect on nitrates to my knowledge. It's only real effect is on PH and hardness. If someone told you different, I'd be suspect as it doesn't make sense. If your tank is overcrowded and you can't keep the levels in the 'normal" range, I'd seriously consider either a change in your water changing routine, a reduction in fish load or the ultimate answer.... a bigger tank You might also want to consider putting a layer of crushed coral under your decorative gravel (or switch your gravel to a coral based gravel) if you are not seeing any consistancy in your ph without changing water so often. (It would mean that there isn't enough CC in your filters to keep the water stable.) This is a different situation to your nitrates.
I see a common theme with most of today's fish keepers and that's overcrowding. You guys are working WAYYYY to hard by keeping your tanks overcrowded. I spent less time working on mine and more time enjoying watching my fish. (And I was up to over 20 tanks, fresh and salt, in my house which did not include my hatcheries.) Just something to think about.