I've always used eggcrete and have never picked up a dead fish off the floor. I have the whole front of my canapy hinged so when I feed I simply lift the eggcrete up a little and slip my hand underneath. When I have to work in the tank I remove the eggcrete, it simply rest on the tank rim. I guess if access to your canapy is really limited it may be a pita otherwise, no problem and well worth it imo.