Sand - True or False

[doc-55]

Is it true that regardless of my sand substrate not tightly packing down that I need to stir it up once per week to release the trapped gasses?

I have a python that I could modify to stir as I vacuum, Thoughts?

 

[groovitudedude]

I've heard stories of some trapped gas killing fish when it's stirred up after being dormant for a while. I don't do it, and I don't know if it's a good or bad idea.

 

[haynchinook334]

i would do it. just for the fact that if you wait, it could get worst. but you can get sand sifters to do it on the daily. i got a ray and a gold fish for that duty.

 

[davidtcb1]

It's not the worst idea....especially near the glass where algae forms between the sand and glass. It's also good to do to get waste that hasn't been sucked into your filter back on top so you can siphon it out yourself. If you have African Cichlids - especially Mbunas - you won't have to worry about it much, because they constantly move the sand around and dig in it. I can't say I ever had fish die from the anaerobic gases that are released, but many say it's important to keep it stirred up to prevent those "pockets."

 

[awault]

I try to stir mine every other water change... it can cloud the water up for a while so I do it every two weeks.

 

[HiImSean]

i stir around and vac my sand every week when i do a WC, it cant hurt...

 

[doc-55]

Thanks!!

 

[groovitudedude]

I also think it depends on how deep your sand is.

 

[HarleyK]

Get Malaysian Trumpet snails. They stir it for me - no dead spots ever



HarleyK