(08/17/2009) - I seeded a new tank with this and some nano-rock. My cycle was really fast, and I'm assuming that's because (1) the rock was nice and fresh and (2) the crude helped kick-start the system. The crude came basically teeming with life, such as worms and crustaceans. My guess is there was plenty of nice bacteria in there too :) Not bad for a buck

(06/14/2009) - I was using this product to seed my DSB. I was hoping it would have some sediments in it, but mine was basically all rock rubble. I can't complain though because the rubble was awesome... pieces 1-4" and extremely nice shapes. Sadly I was downstairs preparing my sump when UPS delivered & I didn't hear it, so my rubble sat out there for probably about an hour in summer heat (I think around 85). Anyway, when I took the bag out of the box I noticed it seemed hotter then my tank temp (77), and I didn't notice much of any life, though the cheato I bought had a bunch of bristle worms so that helped add some detrivores to the fuge. I realize that this was my fault and not PA's, I bet if the rock hadn't had all the heat stress it would've been awesome.

(07/31/2007) - Maybe the heat killed everything ??? but I ordered some of the crude, live sand, rubble, and cured nano rock and I have not seen a single copepod or anything that resembles life 5 days later. Quite dissapointing .. $200 live stuff, $200 freight, and nothing live about it. (was shipped insulated box, UPS next day air, arrived at 7:00 PM next day at my doorstep with no outer box, busted up styrofoam box, only heavy plastic bag kept it all together. It was about 92 degrees that afternoon)

(04/06/2007) - I bought 3-5 pounds of crude and 4-5 pounds of rubble (cant remember exactley how much of each.) The rubble was awsome!!! This stuff is as nice as my liverock was when I 1st got it. Big sizes too for rubble. It really look good in my fuge and has lots of growth, excellent product! Now for the crude; I think I got a bad batch. There was so much crude in the bag,that it was packed solid with all the water pushed out and flowing separetly in the bag. The stuff was like concrete. I put it into a big tupperware bowl and added some extra tankwater but I think any life that was in it was killed in shipping as there was no way anything could even move let alone survive due to the sand was packed so hard. It literally broke like a rock when I poured it out of the bag. I let the water settle and removed small amounts at a time,looking at it under light and through a magnifying glass but nothing was alive. There were lots of cool looking snails but they were all dead.The shells were packed tight with the concrete like mud. There were also some mini brittle stars which is what I really wanted but they didn't make it either :( I really think this was just from having a very uneven sand to water ratio and too much packed into one bag.I dont think it's a bad product as there appeared to be a lot of critters,they were just all dead.

(08/01/2006) - I purchased 20 lbs of this. I love the stuff. There were so many critters for days after I put it in my refugium. I have had it now for about three to four months now, and I am still impressed with it. It has definately helped my tank. I have not had to do any water changes as of yet nor added anything else to it.

(02/19/2006) - I used this stuff to help seed my sand that I got from them also I was amazed at what I got and all the live even after 2 days of shipping keep up the good works guys!

(10/13/2005) - I bought 10 pounds of crud to start a refugium and the amount of live "critters" has been awesome. I don't even feed my fish every day and they are fat! I started another tank and this was a necessary purchase now. I expect great things to come from the crud and know I will not be disappointed.

(06/01/2004) - I bought 5lbs to layer an bury over new dsb. I seen lots of bugs some rubble and worms. You know the good stuff for your dsb. Fair warning the crude is not pretty, but its not meant to be. I'm sure its loaded with all kinds of bacteria and live goodies you can't see. Theres no reason to buy miracle mud when you can get this stuff cheap! It would be great for refugiums.

(06/01/2004) - Unbelievable, all of the live stuff I got with the 15lbs. of crude I bought, I made a refugium and considered using Miracle Mud, but after getting everything set up I am very happy with the crude and the money saved!!

(06/01/2004) - Great Stuff!!!

(06/01/2004) - I bought a pound of this crud with my live rock purchase and it was pretty cruddy! But in a good way! I just wish I had a microscope to see all the invisible critters. The pound of crud came with a very fine silt, some small live rock, and a bit of water to keep things alive. I'll be getting some more when I start adding stuff to my refugium.