Myth or fact?

[IceTurf]

I was doing some reading lately *lol oh no* anyways, has anyone noticed that crushed coral substrate actually releases minerals and other good things back into the water over time or is this just a myth?

[mark]

What a Calcium reactor does is dissolve aragonite for calcium and
carbonate but it also releases the other trace elements.

CC, DSB will also dissolve down to some amount in normal tank pH but at a slower rate. Assuming the source isn't contaminated, what's released is good.

[IceTurf]

what would be a sand containing high, good mineral content for this application?

[mark]

Product based on a aragonite would be a good choice. There's a few different companies/quarries Caribsea being one. Basically don't go to the river with a shovel.

Take a read here as well. Lots of topics, lots of info.

[Aquattro]

I personally would not consider anything from my substrate in any chemical equations for my water quality. I do not believe any substantial amount of calcium is disolved at aquarium pH rates. I will agree on a good quality subtrate, if you plan to use any, to avoid any contamination.

[IceTurf]

so how is it that contaminations make way into your water through substrate and calcium can't?