Crushed coral in freshwater?

[toucan]

I have a 30gal tank. I have had cichlids in it before and it was recommended to me to use crushed coral. This has been years ago and this tank has been changed to fresh water fish since.

I want to get it set up for fresh water and am wondering should I take out the crushed coral and replace with gravel.

All other water levels are good except the hardness.

Does coral effect the hardness of the water?

 

[racingjason]

Cichlids are fresh water fish but they would love to have crushed coral in the tank.



EDIT: I forgot to say African Cichlids.

 

[OrionGirl]

Yes, CC will alter hardness, KH, and pH--raising all three to some degree.

 

[toucan]

thanks

I thought so just needed someone else to agree.

 

[chinnp]

Like oriongirl said the only real benefit you get (other than aesthetics) is it'll help buffer your water to be higher and harder. Might be worth it if you're going to be keeping Africans, but other than that, you may want to consider taking it out.