sand bed

[royalstar]

I bought a 2nd hand tank recently, and i've just a few questions about setting it up.
(I've used the search button to the best of my ability prior to this post)

1. I've been given two types of substrate with the tank, fine sand and 1/4 inch pieces of coral, should the small stuff go on top? or on the bottom?

2. The tank came with a type of egg crate, only an inch high or so which sat under the substrate. Is there any reason this is in there?

3. The bottom of the powerhead is covered in a white / red rock hard substance, should i try and scrape most of this off before putting it in the tank?


Cheers guys

 

[Anonymous]

I bought a 2nd hand tank recently, and i've just a few questions about setting it up.
(I've used the search button to the best of my ability prior to this post)

1. I've been given two types of substrate with the tank, fine sand and 1/4 inch pieces of coral, should the small stuff go on top? or on the bottom?

Doesn't make any difference as it will become mixed by the critters and current.

2. The tank came with a type of egg crate, only an inch high or so which sat under the substrate. Is there any reason this is in there?

Sounds like part of an undergravel filter. Get rid of it.

3. The bottom of the powerhead is covered in a white / red rock hard substance, should i try and scrape most of this off before putting it in the tank?

Coralline algae, nothing to be concerned over; you can leave it be.

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[ChrisRD]

My $0.02...

1) Personally I would either mix them or leave out the coarse stuff all together. If the fine stuff has flour/powder size particles in it, I would rinse it a bit as I am not a big fan of powdery fine substrates in a reef tank.

2) No, ditch it.

3) Sounds like coralline algae. It's fine to leave it be, or you can soak the powerhead in a solution of freshwater and white distilled vinegar (basically a mild acid) which will dissolve it.

JMO & HTH