75 gallon sand

[freshwater]

i have a 75 gallon community freshwater tank with sand that is about 1.5 inches deep and I am worried about toxic gases building up in the sand. I have heard about the Malaysian Trumpet Snails but want something else that is a little better looking. I have thought about the Blue Lobsters but am worried about their aggressive behavior. The smallest fish I have is a tetra that is about 1.75 inches long. Is there anything else that would keep the sand stirred.

 

[nmarc3627]

i never had any problems with my sand but do as you wish!

 

[FishDan]

Will the lobsters actually stir the sand? I don't find trumpet snails an unattractive solution. In fact, it is a rare occassion when I actually see my trumpet snails. You could try khulie loaches, they are diggers. Or manual stirring of the sand during water changes.

[EDIT]I also don't think that 1.5 inches is that big a deal. You shouldn't get too much in the way of toxic gasses built up in this much sand. Though it is better to be safe than sorry.

\Dan

 

[beblondie]

1.5 inches is fine and safe, the problem occurs at the 3 inch mark -Anne

 

[Teakz89]

the best way to stir up your sand is while ur doing a water change you gently slide your python head all thru it. only take out the guck at the top tho dont over suck the sand.

 

[Teelie]

IMO, it's only a potential problem at 2 inches though as beblondie said, it's a real concern at 3 inches. I usually keep my sand between 1.5 and 2 inches deep just to be on the safe side though I do have a herd of Malaysian Trumpet Snails going through my sand and mostly bottom dwellers.

 

[Daveo]

Wow I never knew that about trumpet snails and sand creating toxic gasses. glad I read the post. 8)


daveo