Okay, I went ahead and added some crushed coral today. I started with about two cups. I have it in a mesh, plastic, pond basket and I topped it with a silk plant and some river pebbles.
I have a question:
Today, I bought some glass votive candle holders (small) and I brought them home, washed them really well, and used them as plants holders in my tank. I filled them with the plants and river pebbles. Now, do I have to worry about stagnant water and bacteria building up in them? They are pretty much filled with pebbles and such, so they are definately not hollow, but I still wonder if the water will become stagnant? Any advice on this??? Thanks!

Congrats on finally getting that coral in

As for the plants, yes, debris will probably accumulate between the pebbles. You may be able to suck most of it up though, if the plants are well planted so you don't suck them up as well

The thing is, the votive are so small that I don't think my syphon will be much use sucking anything up in them! I guess every few days, I will have to take them out, rinse the gravel, and put them back together again...sigh...more work...

I have a glass with gravel then riverstones ontop and a plant in it. I take it out every 2 weeks or so and rinse all the gravel.

I know I could let them sit for a few days before taking them out and cleaning them, but I am such a worry-wort, that I will prolly clean them every two days!!!

How about some pics???

I am gonna try and take some today after I finish with it.