N Strauchii cloudy water

[steve]

Hi Everyone. I'm getting a few N. Strauchii in a couple of days. I set up a 15 GL tank for these guys and I'm using crushed coral for the bottom of the tank in order to keep the PH a little on the high side. The problem that I'm having is that the crushed coral has made the water cloudy and salty looking. The current ph level is about 8.5. Is it ok if I put them in this tank eventhough the water is cloudy???
I just don't want to mess things up.
Thanks,
Steve

 

[jennifer]

In another thread you asked about the pH for strauchii, and I suggested a small amount of calcium carbonate. What I had in mind was something like a tablespoon of it (and only if needed).
http://www.caudata.org/forum/messages/13/80095.html?1174347242
I think you've overdone it. The pH is too high. Crushed coral is sold for use in saltwater tanks, so it may also need to be soaked to get rid of salt before use.

I think you need to toss out the water, remove the coral and start over.

You asked the same question on another thread. I deleted it there, and answered it here. I may move this to the Newt Help section later.