Substrate

[want2findnemo]

A lot of people are saying stay away from CC, and suggesting

argonite or sand (sugar grade size)

Just wondering why sugar grade size and if it was a bit bigger like half a grain of rice size, what would be the impact or difference?

[lando]

I much prefer a fine LS substrate over CC. The reason being, CC is a bit more corse and can trap detritus which can lead to an increase in NO3. CC requires a bit more maintanance then LS does in order to solve this issue. As far as LS size goes, the smaller the size, the more surface area is available for benefical bacterial to cultivate on.

[cmor1701d]

Read How Sandbeds REALLY Work by Ronald L. Shimek, Ph.D

What you want if you can get is is "sugar grain sized aragonite sand"

Also check out The Importance of Deep Sand

[roka64]

I agree, also the smaller sized can stir up a lot longer and a lot easier than the sugar sized. CC will also limit your clean up crew and sand sifting critters.