You do need to handle with a little care so it doesn't get destroyed. I was able to cut and handle without much worry, just don't throw them around or anything. Maybe too good at nitrate reduction because I am always at zero and only have skimmer, run carbon and water changes every 2 weeks. I may need to remove some so I can have some?nitrates, but will probably just add more fish slowly, only have 7 waste makers at the moment. I just have it sitting in my refugium area instead of rock ruble, pretty low flow through there. The good thing about marine pure is that it is easy to cut, kinda like styrofoam, so you can shape to your needs and put it where you want.