Okay, so now I have my crushed coral for my tank. The problem is that there is no way I can fit that much coral into my new filters. KoKo says I need to start off with at least 5lbs! Also, I want to use the space in my filters for my bio-stars. However, I don't want the coral all over my tank as substrate. I want it contained in something. I thought about putting it in some pantyhose, but then I would have ugly lumps of pantyhose in my tank forever and couldn't decorate it like I want. I need ideas on what to do with the coral!!! Help!

I just had a small media bag in both filters, on top. Some people also rig a way to hang them in the water flow coming into the tank from the filter.

I saw somehting at a pet**co once. They had a cup with holes in it and they had salt in the cup. I thought that was a neat idea for something like ur crushed coral maybe. U can make the holes big enough to get good circulation but so that it stays in the cup, that way u can keep it away from the fish

That is a GOOD idea, Shamu!!! I may see if I can find some plastic cups with lids, then poke holes in them!!! Excellent!!

I think that might work!

I wonder if Pet*Smart has any that I could buy???

maybe, ya never know lol

The easiest thing to do is use it as a substrate. I know you don't want to, but it is easily removed later. It's the fastest, less hassle way to get it in there and doing its job ASAP. Just suction it with your python every couple of WC's, and you're good to go.

BUT, won't that act just like gravel in the tank and can't that cause bacteria to build up under it??? That is the whole reason why I went almost barebottom, so that doesn't happen to my fish.

I like the cup idea. Or you could pick up a hollow ornament, place it in the center of the ornament and rig an airstone or bubble wall into the ornament? To keep it all compact you could use the pantyhose or the cup? I know that would be possible with lots of the rock/driftwood peices that are sold at pet/co and pets/mart. Just a thought!

What I would like to find are those little cups that they have bettas in. I could punch some holes in them, fill them with coral, and put the tops on them and sit them in the corners of the tank. There has to be a supply house somewhere that sales those I would think?

Hi Nickie!

I was thinking something similar to Earth!Mother's idea. Get some type of netting to put the coral in, and place it over a bubbler or two. Put a nice silk/plastic plant in front of it to hide it, and you won't see it.

Debbie

Well, either way, it is going to be hard to hide 5-10lbs of crushed coral. I am still working on it. Thanks, Deb!!!

What about using it for substrate for plants, fake or real , in a terracota orchid pot?(It has some holes on the sides.) You can get them at wally *mart in the garden section.

That is a great idea, too, Rita! It would look nice that way. Do these pots come in different sizes?

You could buy those dreaded goldfish bowls or something pretty like that and put it in there. Easy to remove and clean. I would add a little at a time.
I used sea shells. Does the same thing. I have them in a terra catta(sp) pot. They break down after a while. I just add more as needed.

You guys are always full of great ideas!!!! Thanks so much! I like the idea of the GF bowls, too!!!! I could get some small ones, some silk plants, and then put the plants down in the coral!!!

That's pretty cool!

I wonder if real plants can live in coral???

Oh sweetie...are you sure you want to hassle with live plants? That's how I got anchor worm.

Kris said she got some "ribbon plants" that are pest free from Pet*Smart and they look realy nice. I prolly won't go that route, but it is still interesting to know if they will grow in coral.

live plants r a great idea! I love them in my goldie tanks the only problem is that alot of plants get eaten by goldfish. Anubias is a great plant for beginners and its tough and the fish dont eat it (at least thats what I got told, my fishies have been trying pretty hard lol). I have 1 in my big tank, although all leaves broke off except 2 tiny ones it still looks pretty (it got damaged during transport so most leaves fell off after a few days). theres many different kinds too, I think that would work out pretty well, although if u have high lighting then theres different kinds of plants u could get!

I think I have 100watts on my lighting.

wow, thats really high! Wasnt that the standard lighting that came with ur tank?? Make sure ur checking watts not volts (Im not sure if that would b higher). Mine came with 18 watts! With that kind of lighting u could have lots of plants, that more than twice as much than what my 125 gallon tank has!

Nope, it is watts. It says 100watts. Yep, it came with the tank kit.

I don't think you need THAT much of the stuff. Seriously, I maybe had 2 cups in my tank and it worked fine! I had a 10 pd bag and had to sell it when I moved as I had only gone thru a small amount.

I was just going by what KoKo told me. I have virtually no KH, so she told me to start off with 5lbs and go from there.

how about placeing it in a soda bottle and poke holes in it and place a little air stone in with the coral?

That's a good idea! You know, I still haven't gotten anything to put it in yet! AARRGGHH!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rj1Glx5anfM

Maybe you could make one of those, except instead of media, put the coral there in its place?

Well, I decided to go with some fine "mesh" baskets that I found at Pet Solutions. I got 5 of them in the smallest size (4"X4"X4") for .69/ea. They are black in color, and I really wanted white or clear, but they will do for the time being. I may get some decorative, small vases to replace them with when I get a chance to go looking in the dollar stores.

So Nickie, How is it all working out?

It isn't yet. My order from Pet Solutions should come today or tomorrow at the latest. I am going to wait until this wkend to set it all up in tank, new filters, coral, air pump and bubble wand, silk plants, etc... I have my work cut out for me!!!

Exciting stuff! Can't wait to see the new setup!

Mesh? Is it metal? Or plastic?
Don't put anything metal in the tank.

Thanks! Me, too!



They are plastic.

Its most likely one of those black plastic containers that they usually sell in the pond section, and where people put their pond plants in it, mostly bulbs and such like water lilies.

And you are sure about the 5 lb, yes? That is a HUGE amount. I had literally no kH in my tanks, and all I needed were 3-4 cups of the coral, and it did a fine job. I keep forgetting, how big is your tank again?

Nope, Andrea, I am not sure about the 5lbs. That was what KoKo told me to start with. I REALLY don't know HOW much to put in at all???!!! Do you have any idea about how much I need to start with? I am definately hoping it is not 5lbs worth! I have a 29g tank, Hon. Thanks so much!!! Oh, btw, my items arrived from Pet Solutions today!!!!