Is coral covered live rock still a viable filtration media, or a nutrient trap ?

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

You're both a big help

Well, let's be honest. You're asking something that can't be answered without guessing. Doubt there are a lot of studies on this, and given the variety of tanks in this condition that may or may not have nutrient issues, and our inability to really say why, the best you can do it see how it works out for you.

Ultimately, your tank will be fine until you hit the given threshold for your nutrient managing properties. So, what rock did you start with? How porous were those particular rocks? How many fish? How often do you feed? What do you feed? Total volume of water changes. Their frequency. Lighting period. Photosynthesis. Respiration. With/without sand to assist? Type and efficiency of skimmer. Do you supplement with carbon dosing?

Given the answers from all this, your tank will be unique and may or may not be able to keep up if/when the rock is fully encrusted with coral.

Does that help more??