I use crushed coral approx 1/2" deep. I was told that the coral will help serve as a buffer for alk. I do seem to constantly struggle with dendritus. My tank is a 60 gal. I have a maxspec 150 set at lowest level and two small power heads set at opposite corners pointing downward. Return pump is a danner 9.5 but due to 10' head has reduced flow. Is this substrate always going to be an issue? Should I consider coral sand? I don't want a bare bottom. Do I have some oyher problem?