- Does crushed coral raise pH and hardness?
- Yes. Coral is calcium carbonate, so it dissolves slowly and lifts both carbonate hardness and pH. That is the point in cichlid and livebearer tanks, and a problem in tanks kept for soft-water species.
- Can I use it in a freshwater tank?
- Yes, it is sold for freshwater use. It suits hard-water fish such as African cichlids, goldfish and guppies. Avoid it with discus, cardinal tetras and other soft-water fish.
- Where does it go, in the filter or on the bottom?
- Either works. Many keepers put it in a media bag inside a canister or hang-on filter; others spread it as a substrate layer under gravel. In a filter it is easier to remove if pH climbs too high.
- How much do I need?
- The bag holds 350 g, enough for a media bag in a small to mid-size filter or a thin layer in a small tank. Larger tanks or deep beds need several bags.
- Do I have to rinse it first?
- Yes. Rinse in a bucket until the water runs mostly clear. Some fine dust remains and can cloud the tank briefly, which clears on its own.
- Is it reusable?
- Yes. Rinse it in old tank water during maintenance and put it back. Over time the pieces shrink as they dissolve, so replace them when the buffering effect fades.
- Where is the Artrylin Crushed Coral for Freshwater Aquariums cheapest?
- At Amazon, for $9.39, as of our latest check.
- Where can I buy the Artrylin Crushed Coral for Freshwater Aquariums?
- 2 stores we checked sell it, including Walmart, Amazon.