Deep sand bed in fw tank

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
toehead11183

toehead11183

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Dec 4, 2006
3,538
21
68
Memphis, tn
What are the pros and cons in having a 2"+ deep sand bed in a freshwater tank? I have a 175 with tahitian black moon sand at 1/2" deep. My cichlids and catfish (basically everything in my tank) are making bare spots in my tank because the sand is too thin. I want to add more so i can keep the holes from popping up everythere in my tank and i also have some wobbly stones that would be more stable if i had more sand.

I have read that anarobic bacteria would become a problem is not stired. I have also read that the anarobic bacteria break down NO3. so do i want anarobic bacteria or not?

Anything i missed...?
 
I have a considerably smaller tank (40g breeder) that houses SA Geophagus. I have ~3" of sand and have never had an issue. I just make sure to stir it every once in a while when doing water changes.

-Lamar
 
as long as there is less than 4", there should be no anaerobic activity. poifect.
 
The trouble with dead pockets is that they form hydrogen sulfide which smells like rotten eggs when released and is very dangerous to your fish. Anaerobic spots are not a problem in SW, but in FW, it is another story. You don't want it in your tank. You could always add MTS to help stir the sand although the way your cichlids act, dead pockets are unlikely to be a problem.
 
ive got kinda deep sand 3-4" i gravel vacuum it twice a week with hardcore vacuuming its all goood
 
Anaerobic bacteria are very good, they can turn nitrates into nitrogen gas. The problem with deep sand beds in freshwater is that there are not enough inverts to stir the sand, without introducing oxygen into the environment. You must turn the sand over once or twice a month...

Hydrogen sulfide gas is not only very dangerous to your fish, but to you as well... In enough quantitys it can kill you or cause serious respiratory problems.
 
wow_it_esploded;2723835; said:
Anaerobic bacteria are very good, they can turn nitrates into nitrogen gas. The problem with deep sand beds in freshwater is that there are not enough inverts to stir the sand, without introducing oxygen into the environment. You must turn the sand over once or twice a month...

Hydrogen sulfide gas is not only very dangerous to your fish, but to you as well... In enough quantitys it can kill you or cause serious respiratory problems.
Click to expand...


Do you really think there is any chance at all that an aquarium can produce a high enough concentration of hydrogen sulfide to kill you?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom